Crowds gather to celebrate Lifeboat Week in Weymouth

Crowds flocked to Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth on Wednesday, July 31 for a dazzling display as part of the Lifeboat Week celebrations.

Bowleaze Cove was packed with locals and tourists enjoying the display (Image: Alfie Lumb) The popular week, which runs from July 28 to Saturday, August 3 serves as Weymouth RNLI’s main fundraising event, and raises awareness of what the charity does.

This year the RNLI has been celebrating 200 years making the festivities extra special.

Weymouth is one of the RNLI’s busiest lifeboat stations on England’s south coast, operating two lifeboats – Ernest and Mabel, a Severn class all-weather lifeboat, and Jack and Phyl Cleare, a B class Atlantic 85.

Display of lifeboats at Bowleaze Cove for Lifeboat Week (Image: Alfie Lumb) These vessels were on display on display, along with the local coastguard. Parking at the cove was free for the evening, with donations advised. Volunteers were seen with donation buckets walking the beach to garnish extra support for the charity whilst beachgoers watched on from the shore. 

Maria Turner, Malcolm Stonham and dog Lucky from Dorchester (Image: Alfie Lumb) Maria Turner, Malcolm Stonham and dog Lucky were watching on. They travelled down from Dorchester to watch the display. Maria said: “We’re really lucky to be close to the beach. We have come for the fabulous weather and to help fundraise for such a crucial service.

“It’s such a brilliant idea to raise funds during the holiday season to get as much support as they can.”

Mandy and Kim from Weymouth (Image: Alfie Lumb) Mandy and Kim, from Weymouth, were watching the display in the sun. Kim said: “We came down for the display as their work is so important. When you live by the sea you never know when you’re going to need help. People take it for granted.”

The Philcox family from Oxfordshire on Bowleaze Cove (Image: Alfie Lumb) The Philcox family were down from Oxfordshire on holiday enjoying the ‘brilliant’ display.

Jan, Amanda and pooch Watson, from Weymouth (Image: Alfie Lumb) Jan, Amanda and pooch Watson, from Weymouth, were loving the weather. Jan said: “We’re here to support the lifeboat service, and my husband who is volunteering with collections today, but what a fantastic day for it to be on.”

Seb Holt, Charlotte Dingle, Rupert and Grandad, from Weymouth (Image: Alfie Lumb) Seb Holt, Charlotte Dingle, Rupert and Grandad, from Weymouth, were having a lovely day on the beach. Charlotte said: “We saw that it was lifeboat week and thought that Rupert would enjoy seeing the boats in the water, which he very much has.”

Raeeh, Lisa and Felix from Owermoigne (Image: Alfie Lumb) Raeeh, Lisa and Felix from Owermoigne were enjoying their desserts on the cove as the display was winding down. Raeeh said: “We came down for the nice weather at first and didn’t realise the display was on at first until we saw all the boats in the water. It’s been wonderful.”

The lifeboat display at Bowleaze Cove (Image: Alfie Lumb)

There are more events continuing through the week:

Thursday:

5.30pm - The Official Test Centre, at Portland is supporting the event by hosting paddleboarding sessions which need to be booked in advance.

Friday: 

5.30pm - Live music by Slight Return at the Nothe Tavern on Barrack Road.

8pm - Pub quiz at the Nothe Tavern on Barrack Road, entry is £2 per person, or £6 per team of four.

Saturday -  Final Day: 

From 10.30am to 4pm - The lifeboat station will be hosting an open day, where visitors can meet the volunteer crew of Weymouth lifeboat, take a tour of our Severn class all weather lifeboat Earnest and Mabel and the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Jack and Phyl Cleare.

Events are subject to change so keep an eye on the Weymouth Lifeboat social media pages for more information.