Harwich RNLI is proud to announce its own festivities, set to take place during the week commencing 8 July culminating in a grand festival and concert on Saturday 13 July.
As the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) commemorates its 200th anniversary in 2024, lifeboat stations across the country are gearing up for a series of celebratory events and Harwich RNLI is no exception.
The picturesque setting of Harwich Quay and Kings Quay street will serve as the focal point for daytime activities, featuring a vibrant street fair and fete from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Visitors can expect an array of stalls, craft sellers, street food vendors, and charity stands, alongside lively street entertainers, face painters, and children's entertainers.
Later in the afternoon, the festivities will continue at Harwich Green, where from 2:00pm till late evening, a spectacular concert will unfold. Attendees can enjoy live music and entertainment against the backdrop of Harwich's scenic waterfront. The day will culminate at 10:30pm with a spectacular fireworks display from a barge, moored just off Harwich for all to see.
On the water, the celebration will take to the waves with yacht races and displays showcasing lifeboats from bygone eras, providing a fascinating glimpse into the RNLI's rich maritime heritage. There will also be a yacht race which is being organised by the Haven Port Yacht Club which will start at 11:00am from Half Penny pier.
'We invite stall holders, craft sellers, street food vendors, entertainers, and more to join us in making this event a memorable one,' says Peter, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and organiser of the event. 'Your participation will contribute to the vibrancy and success of our celebrations.'
Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact Peter via email at
[email protected], providing details of their offerings and how they can enrich the festivities.
In addition to the festivities, a special church service will be held on 9 July at St. Nicholas Church at 11:30am, offering a moment of reflection and gratitude as the RNLI commemorates two centuries of lifesaving service.
During the week of celebrations, the Harwich RNLI lifeboat shop and viewing gallery will be open to the public, providing an opportunity to learn more about the RNLI's lifesaving mission and support its ongoing efforts.
'This celebration is our way of expressing gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the past 200 years,' adds Peter. 'We look forward to coming together to celebrate this milestone and to many more years of saving lives at sea.'
Notes to Editor
The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Harwich RNLI is based on The Quay, Harwich. The lifeboat station was founded in 1829 and the volunteer crew use an all-weather Severn class lifeboat (ALB) The Albert Brown and B class lifeboat (ILB) Tierney, Harvey and Sonny Reid.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact Adam Prescott, volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer 07881 286312
[email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Communications Manager
[email protected]
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
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.
