BUDE RNLI’s Lifeboat Weekend, held in August, has managed to raise an outstanding total of £27,000.

Bude Lifeboat Weekend, which took place between August 27 and August 29, saw masses of locals and visitors come along to show their support, delving into the world of the RNLI, their equipment and lifeboats, whilst enjoying fun activities and being treated to spectacular shows, including a fly past by the infamous Red Arrows.

Michael Walker, chair of Bude RNLI Lifeboat Weekend 2016, was delighted to lead the team who organised the three-day event over the August bank holiday weekend. He said: “Such a lot of hard work, over the whole year, goes into making Lifeboat Weekend a success, with all corners of the local community helping to bring it all together.

“This year, we were blessed with good weather for the whole weekend, which really helped draw in the crowds. We also had a few added attractions, such as an all-weather Mersey class lifeboat, moored up on the canal for visitors to look round, and the Red Arrows did a fly past, which is always a hit.”

He said the success was also due to the wide array of typical Bude Lifeboat Weekend attractions. From performances by pipe and town bands, a pasty competition, a lobster draw, a rowing race and a duck race, to face painting, a children’s disco and activities, as well as quiz nights and an auction — there really was something for everyone to enjoy. As well as all of this, there were food and gift stalls available for visitors to purchase a treat, as well as the chance to view the Bude Lifeboat Station, which was open to the public, and enjoy a magnificent fireworks display on Monday, August 29, bringing the celebrations to a close.

Michael added: “I’d like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work, and also the local community who, year after year, come along and support us; it wouldn’t work without you.”

The fundraising team is now looking to recruit a new team of volunteers to organise next year’s Bude Lifeboat Weekend, as well as other events throughout 2017. It will be hosting an open evening on Friday, November 25 at the lifeboat station in Summerleaze car park, and hopes to see and hear from many people wishing to help.