Singing in the rain for Hunstanton RNLI at Lifefest 201

Hundreds attended Lifefest 201 at the Queen Victoria at Snettisham over the weekend of 19 to 20 July, despite the weather.

A one-day event at the pub to celebrate the RNLI's 200th anniversary in 2024 was such a success that the Queen Vic' decided to host another bash.

This year's return match was organised by landlord and landlady Darren and Anne-Marie Wing, along with customers Steve Webber and Dave Taylor.

'We had to carry on after we started a new trend in the village,' said Anne-Marie. 'We thought we'd try holding it over two days this year.'

Steve, who also runs quizzes at the pub in aid of the RNLI, said: 'We had such a good time last year, it was so successful so we thought we'd have a go at doing it again.

'It's been so busy despite inclement weather.'

Derek Greening, chair of the Hunstanton and West Norfolk RNLI Guild, welcomed the audience as the event opened on Saturday with a performance by Your Choir.

'An event like this takes a great deal of planning,' he said. 'So the first thanks go to Annie and Darren, Dave Taylor and Steve Taylor, who have put the festival together.'

After thanking the event's sponsors, along with Tim Murrell who supplied the PA, RNLI volunteers who assisted and acts who played, he added: 'Last of all please give a big hand to yourselves for coming along and supporting us.'

Last year's event raised just over £2,000. Proceeds from Lifefest 201 are still being counted.

For more information call Chris Bishop, Hunstanton RNLI volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on 07584 147219 or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.