THIS year’s Bude Lifeboat Day was blessed with glorious weather on Monday, the culmination of another successful lifeboat weekend.

A jam-packed schedule ensured something for everyone — Saturday saw table top sales, entertainment from Bude Metric Brass and a quiz and music night, with the Bencoolen Wreckers entertaining on Sunday, an afternoon children’s disco and an evening concert with Tintagel Orpheus Male Voice Choir and Arscott Ladies’ Choir.

On Monday, the Lifeboat station was open for tours, and children were kept busy with a treasure hunt on the beach.

Over at the Canal, Barkhouse Green and Wharf there were rowing races for the Barnes Cup, a capsize demonstration, live music, amusement rides, Bude Motor Club cars of interest and refreshments.

The Brendon Arms hosted the famous pasty competition, followed by an auction and a lobster draw, and had entertainment from lifeboat singers and friends and Friggin Riggin.

The Rotary International Duck Race took place on the canal in the evening, meanwhile entertainment in the lifeboat marquee from Bude Metric Brass, LBD KREW, Bideford Youth Pipe Band, Jason Thomas and CJ’s Dance schools and HIGH TIDE led up to the grand firework display in the evening.

The event raises crucial funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which not only contributes to the running of Bude’s lifeboats, but the lifeguards who provide vital advice and assistance to those using local beaches throughout the summer months.

Michael Walker from Bude RNLI’s fundraising committee said: “Lifeboat Day 2017 was a huge success. Blue skies and sunshine brought huge crowds to support Bude RNLI on its biggest fundraising event of the year. Rescue demonstrations saw two lifeboats and a water rescue craft put on a display of different rescue scenarios during the morning. The HM Coastguard helicopter was unable to be present during the scheduled demonstration due to operational duties, however thrilled crowds later in the day when it performed a fly past of crowds on Castle Green and Summerleaze Beach.

“Throughout the day people were entertained by bands, dancing and rowing races. More than 100 children took part in the pirate treasure hunt on Summerleaze Beach. The firework display brought a spectacular end to the day. Bude RNLI would like to thank all those people who supported the event and to the volunteers and their families who helped out.”

Chris Cloke, Bude RNLI Lifeboat Station president, said:?“I’m very proud that we are able to continue with Bude Lifeboat Day in the time honoured traditions of the town. We are fortunate that we have a new generation of committee and supporters whose enthusiasm secures Lifeboat Day for future generations.

“Special thanks to all for supporting us on this special family weekend and all who travelled so far to be with us. Once again we are grateful so many businesses and townspeople give in some way to make this such a fantastic event.”

A craft fair in the marquee in support of the RNLI continues until Saturday, September 2.

On Sunday, September 3 there will be Songs of Praise in the marquee from 3pm with Bude Town Band.