Whitby Boxing Day Dip set to celebrate its 50th year raising money for charities
People will be joining in the fun by plunging into the North Sea or cheering from the sidelines
Whitby Lions Club’s Boxing Day Dip is returning today, marking its 50th year of community fundraising through the adventurous tradition of diving into the North Sea during winter.
The event invites participants to brave the chilly waters to raise money for local and national charities. With fancy dress strongly encouraged, there will be prizes for the best costumes.
Registration begins at 10 AM on Boxing Day to ensure all participants are accounted for. Fancy dress judging kicks off at 10:30 AM, followed by the main dip itself when dippers rush into the cold sea waters.
Last year, a record 309 participants joined the event, contributing to an impressive £4,389 raised for Whitby Lions Club and generating additional thousands for various charities through personal sponsorships.
Spectators are encouraged to join the festivities from vantage points such as West Pier, Battery Parade, or West Cliff Beach (depending on tides). Christmas street collectors will also hand out chocolates in exchange for donations to the Lions Club, supporting its ongoing work in the Whitby community.
Participants should note that there are no changing facilities or provided toilets this year. It is recommended to bring a towel, spare clothes, and wear sturdy footwear for safety on the rocky surfaces. Following the dip, registered dippers can enjoy free warm soup to regain their energy.
More information and updates can be found on Whitby Lions Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.