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Clovelly’s annual Christmas lights set to dazzle for another year

Lifeboats News Release

Volunteers at Clovelly RNLI are gearing up for their annual Christmas lights switch-on, a popular event that raises vital funds for their work saving lives at sea.

Santa at Clovelly

RNLI/Simon Ellery

Santa at Clovelly

On Sunday December 8 2024 the picturesque fishing village of Clovelly will be illuminated with a stunning display of Christmas lights, ushering in the festive season in the coastal community.

The event, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, is organised by Clovelly RNLI and is one of the biggest events in their fundraising calendar. There has been a lifeboat station in Clovelly since 1870 and the team remains just as dedicated to their work today as they were 150 years ago. As a charity funded by donations, events like the Christmas Lights are vital to the survival of the station, and the volunteers work hard every year to ensure that it’s an event to remember.

Work has already begun behind the scenes to deck out the steep cobbled street and 14th-century harbour with an array of beautiful lights, and the end result is sure to enchant visitors of all ages. The event starts at 2pm with a Santa’s Grotto in the donkey stables, followed by a parade down the street at 4pm. There will be a brass band and carols as the crowd descends the cobbles, followed by more carols and a festive service around the village’s historic lime kiln. The event will conclude with a fireworks display in the skies over Bideford Bay.

The event is a great way to kick off the festive season, with plenty of tempting food and drink on offer. Visitors will be able to purchase RNLI-themed gifts and indulge in mince pies in the Donkey Shoe Shop, or tuck into delicious meals on the harbour courtesy of North Devon Hog Roast. There will also be food and drink available in the Red Lion pub.

Entry to the event is for a suggested donation of £10, proceeds from which go to support Clovelly RNLI.


Lights on Clovelly high street

RNLI/Simon Ellery

Lights on Clovelly high street
Clovelly Christmas lights

RNLI/Dean Charles

Clovelly Christmas lights

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.

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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.