Mudeford RNLI Funday set to draw crowds to quay this August

The much-anticipated event is expected to attract visitors from across the BCP area, offering a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment while raising vital funds for the RNLI.

Highlights of the day include a dragon boat display in the harbour, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) races, and lifeboat demonstrations by the Mudeford volunteer crew. The ever-popular duck race across the Run will also return, with hundreds of ducks racing for the finish in front of spectators lining the quay.

Visitors can also enjoy live music and DJ throughout the day, a funfair, and a wide range of food and drink stalls, including a crew-run BBQ and cake stall. More than 30 stalls will be on site selling art, crafts and gifts, alongside a display of vintage cars courtesy of the Dorset Austin 7 Club.

To help ease congestion around the busy quay area, organisers are providing a Park and Free Ride service from Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre car park, running throughout the day to the event entrance.

Funds raised from the event will go directly towards supporting Mudeford RNLI, whose volunteer crew respond to emergencies 24/7, 365 days a year along the local coastline.

Robert King, Funday Event Director, said, 'This is one of the highlights of the summer for Mudeford and the wider Christchurch community. It’s a great day out for families, but it also plays a crucial role in supporting our lifeboat station. Every donation helps our volunteer crews continue to save lives at sea, and we’re hugely grateful for the continued support from the public.'

The event opens at 11am and runs throughout the afternoon. For more information visit: www.mudefordrnlifunday.com

The Mudeford Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Henrietta H, has launched 55 times this year so far and 77 times in 2025.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Robert King, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Mudeford RNLI, 07810 637471, [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.