Torbay RNLI’s CrewFest ’24 quayside party exceeds expectations
On Saturday 10th August, Torbay RNLI celebrated the charity’s 200th Anniversary by hosting CrewFest ’24, a Quayside Music and Street Food festival in Brixham’s harbour, with locals, tourists, family and friends partying throughout the day and into the evening.
Ron Campion, lead organiser of the event and DLA at Torbay RNLI said; “Not only was the food delicious, but it was also locally sourced, and then beautifully cooked by crew supported by some cordon blue wives and local chefs. It was still a surprise early afternoon, when we realised that we were about to run out of seafood! We had to head across the harbour for more provisions.
"Thankfully, our friends and sponsors Sefton Seafish and Combe Fisheries, who do really amazing cuttlefish and scallops, were able to oblige, so we never actually ran out of anything in the end.”
CrewFest ’24 offered entertainment for the whole family, with stage and DJ, local musicians, shanty singers, dancers, and a special kids' area. The evening then turned a little more rock-and-roll with dancing and live music from popular bands including headline act Nuthin’ but Mammals.
“The stage with sound system and lighting was spot on. Loud enough to get the party going with more than a few getting up and boogying, including some surprises amongst the crew, which we’ve got on camera! But it was not so loud that we were waking up the whole town. “
Just over two thousand turned up to enjoy the party. Entry was free, but the extent of voluntary donations was a huge and welcome surprise, with four buckets filled up just by those coming through the front gate.
“We were ably supported by Bays Brewery who supplied a fantastic bar pavilion and full line-up of cold ales, ciders and wine. And the range of foods was extensive, with freshest seafood obviously, but also the tastiest pizzas that went down particularly well with the kids, as well as street-Thai, delicious 'dirty-fries' and the scrummiest cakes and cream teas.
"Our thanks go to all those who brought their fares here, who set up and then ran their fabulous stalls over what was a long but very happy day. Indeed, many thanks to all our sponsors, supporters, helpers and the public who came and made this such a very special day.
“That said, the biggest thanks to Interline Builders Merchant, who once again stepped up right at the outset as our lead sponsor, enabling our ambitious plans to become a reality.
”Given this response, we hope to repeat the event next year, So here’s to CrewFest ’25!”
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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.
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