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Just over two weeks to go until Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat weekend

Lifeboats News Release

Staithes and Runswick RNLI’s annual lifeboat weekend is approaching. Taking place over the weekend of 18, 19 and 20 August 2023.

RNLI/Colin Harrison

The 2022 Duck Race as part of the Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat weekend.
Colin Harrison lifeboat weekend coordinator said of the weekend: ‘We’re hoping as many visitors as possible can come and enjoy the activities we have planned – the only thing we can’t plan is the weather. But we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the sun will shine for us.’

The weekend celebrations begin on Friday evening in Staithes with a jazz band and the renowned Nightgown Parade. The lifeboat crew, villagers and visitors, all wearing nightgowns, meander in a melodious procession from the Staith up the High Street to the top of the village.

Activity, both in Runswick and Staithes, on Saturday starts with the visit of Staithes and Runswick RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat to Runswick Bay (subject to operational requirements). In Staithes a BBQ provided by the Rapid Relief Team, charity volunteers themselves, will take place on Saturday from midday. This will be supplemented by a cake stall, along with other stalls, all of which are raising money for Staithes and Runswick RNLI. There will be the opportunity to purchase souvenirs (including Christmas cards) from the RNLI shop both on the Staith and at the shop at North Side.

There will be the chance to see not only Staithes’ lifeboat but Redcar and Whitby’s lifeboat during the afternoon when the lifeboats will exercise with RNLI lifeguards and partner search and rescue agencies (subject to operational requirements).

Later on Saturday afternoon a fiercely contested race from the Lifeboat Slipway takes place with participants vying for victory on a diverse array of homemade rafts.

A Fancy Dress Parade, from 6pm on Saturday continues the village festivities. Entertainment by the Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues Orchestra continues until darkness falls when a spectacular firework display by the G2 fireworks team will take place.

On Sunday from 11am crowds will line vantage points around the beck in Staithes as the annual Duck Race gets underway, where hundreds of yellow ducks are willed towards the finishing line which is by the lifeboat slipway.

The weekend finishes with poignant and moving thanksgiving services both at Runswick Bay and Staithes.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact James Stoker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at: [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer on 07824 518641 or, [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.