Clovelly lights up for RNLI

Clovelly will be illuminated with a stunning display of Christmas lights on Sunday, December 8, ushering in the festive season in the picturesque coastal community.

The event, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, is organised by Clovelly RNLI and is one of the biggest events in their fundraising calendar.

There has been a lifeboat station in Clovelly since 1870 and the team remains just as dedicated to their work today as they were 150 years ago. As a charity funded by donations, events like the Christmas lights are vital to the survival of the station, and the volunteers work hard every year to ensure that it’s an event to remember.

Work has already begun behind the scenes to deck out the steep cobbled street and 14th-century harbour with an array of beautiful lights, and organisers say  the end result is sure to enchant visitors of all ages.

The event starts at 2pm with a Santa’s grotto in the donkey stables, followed by a parade down the street at 4pm. There will be a brass band and carols as the crowd descends the cobbles, followed by more carols and a festive service around the village’s historic lime kiln. The event will conclude with a fireworks display in the skies over Bideford Bay.

The RNLI says the event is a great way to kick off the festive season, with plenty of tempting food and drink on offer.

Visitors will be able to buy RNLI themed gifts and indulge in mince pies in the Donkey Shoe Shop, or tuck into delicious meals on the harbour courtesy of North Devon Hog Roast. There will also be food and drink available in the Red Lion pub.

Entry to the event is for a suggested donation of £10, proceeds from which go to support the Clovelly RNLI team.

RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.