Bude Lifeboat Day 2026

Bude Lifeboat Day 2026
Event Date: Monday, 31st August 2026
Location: Bude, Cornwall (Lifeboat Station, Summerleaze Beach, Bude Sea Pool, Castle Grounds & Canal Wharf)
Organiser: Bude RNLI Fundraising Crew
Event Overview
Join Bude RNLI for one of North Cornwall’s most anticipated annual community celebrations! Bude Lifeboat Day 2026 brings together action-packed maritime demonstrations, live music, family entertainment, local food, and essential water-safety initiatives—all raising vital funds to support the lifesaving work of the RNLI crew.
📸 Key Photo & Media Opportunities
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Station Open House & Tours (Bude Lifeboat Station, Summerleaze Beach)
Behind-the-scenes access to the station, lifeboat tours, and static rescue equipment displays hosted by the Bude Coastguard Rescue Team.
12:00 PM | 🌊 SPECIAL FEATURE: "Float to Live" Mass Record Attempt (Bude Sea Pool)
Gather at the historic Bude Sea Pool as swimmers and supporters come together at noon for a mass "Float to Live" demonstration—highlighting the RNLI’s key lifesaving advice in a visual record attempt!
12:00 PM | Famous Pasty Competition & Auction (Brendon Arms & Falcon Hotel)
Judging and auctioning of traditional Cornish pasties for charity.
2:30 PM | Search & Rescue Demonstration (Off Summerleaze Beach)
An impressive live offshore display featuring the Bude Lifeboat and crew showcasing real-time rescue techniques (subject to sea conditions).
6:15 PM – 6:30 PM | Pipe Band March & Canal Duck Race (Bude Light to Canal Basin)
The Bideford Youth Pipe Band leads a lively procession down to the canal lower basin for the annual Rotary International Duck Race at 6:30 PM.
9:10 PM | Grand Finale Fireworks (Brendon Arms & Falcon Lawn)
A stunning night display by Kernow Fireworks, sponsored by The Brendon Arms and Falcon Hotel, followed by traditional singing on the lawn at 9:30 PM.
🎪 Schedule Highlights at a Glance
Castle Grounds & Main Stage
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: RNLI Shop, Tombola, Cream Teas, Food Court, Face Painting & Charity Stalls.
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Licensed Bar (The Pop-Up Bar Company).
Live Music (Main Stage):
11:00 AM: Bude Metric Brass Band
1:00 PM: Elowen and Band
2:00 PM: Barrel Seagals
3:00 PM: Sirens Dreams
4:15 PM: Charlie Clough
5:15 PM: Beach Hutz
7:00 PM: Not the Cowboys
Barkhouse Green & Canal Wharf
10:00 AM: Traditional Rowing Races for the Barnes Cup.
11:00 AM – 6:30 PM: Bude Canoe Club Tournament.
All Day: Vintage car displays (Bude Motor Club), South West Truckers, Hog Roast/BBQ, and Bacon Family Amusement Rides.
Performances (Barkhouse Green): Bude Rock Choir (11:30 AM), Barrel Morris Dancers (12:00 PM), URBN Street Dance (1:00 PM), Gymnastics Display (2:00 PM), CJ's Dance (3:30 PM).