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Mumbles RNLI Raft Race Marks 40 Years with Biggest Celebration Yet

Lifeboats News Release

The Mumbles RNLI Raft Race will celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer with its biggest event yet, bringing together colourful homemade rafts, live entertainment and community fundraising for one of Swansea Bay's best-loved traditions.

RNLI/Adam Gilbert

Taking place on Sunday 19 July at Knab Rock, this landmark anniversary promises to be biggers than ever, as hundreds of spectators are expected to line the Mumbles seafront for a day of family fun.

Now in its 40th year, the Mumbles RNLI Raft Race has become a firm fixture in the local calendar, attracting generations of competitors while raising vital funds to support the RNLI's lifesaving work.

This year's event is supported by Swansea Council, Mumbles Community Council, AU Vodka, Tesco, Specsavers, EPM Marketing & Events and a host of local businesses, organisations and volunteers.

Councillor Will Thomas, Chair of Mumbles Community Council, said:

"This year's 40th anniversary promises to be our biggest and best Raft Race yet, with a fantastic day of entertainment for the whole community to enjoy.

"As a Community Council, we're committed to supporting community events that strengthen our community, bring visitors into Mumbles and support our local businesses. The Raft Race does all of that while raising vital funds for the RNLI, whose volunteers do such an incredible job keeping people safe around our coastline.

"I encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the celebrations and help make this 40th anniversary a memorable day for Mumbles and for the RNLI."

Spectators can look forward to a fleet of whacky homemade rafts taking to the water, with teams competing for glory in front of crowds lining the promenade and shoreline.

Off the water, Southend Gardens will host a new Entertainment Hub, delivered in partnership with EPM Marketing & Events, featuring live music, food vendors and entertainment throughout the day.

AU Vodka will also be bringing its famous gold Lamborghini to Mumbles, alongside ice cream and samples of its alcohol-free premium vodka range.

Tesco is bringing it's own village to the seafront offering fun and games. All free of charge!

Dai Thomas, Chair of the Mumbles Lifeboat Crew Association and Deputy Coxswain at The Mumbles Lifeboat, said:

"This year's Raft Race is going to be bigger than ever. As we celebrate 40 years, we've got more entertainment, more activities than ever before.

"It's fantastic to see so many local businesses, organisations and volunteers coming together to make the Raft Race possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Mumbles for a great day, all while raising vital funds for the RNLI."

The Mumbles RNLI Raft Race takes place from 12pm on Sunday 19 July at Knab Rock, Mumbles.

Follow The Mumbles Lifeboat on social media for the latest raft race news, team announcements and event updates in the run up to race day.

Notes to Editors

* The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

* The Mumbles Raft Race is organised by the Mumbles Lifeboat Crew Association (MLCA).

RNLI/Adam Gilbert

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Adam Gilbert, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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.

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