Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat Weekend 2025 Raises Over £10,000

The weekend began in true Staithes tradition with the iconic nightgown parade on Friday evening. Led by talented local musicians and escorted by HM Coastguard, villagers, volunteers, and visitors—clad in nightwear—marched up the cobbled high street. As the parade progressed, donations were tossed into an RNLI flag and collected in buckets, continuing a custom rooted in Staithes carnivals of decades past.

On Saturday morning, volunteers set up a stall in Runswick Bay selling RNLI memorabilia, while Tides Coffee Bar & Beach Shop contributed to the cause by donating £250 from morning refreshment sales. The Staithes Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, Sheila and Dennis Tongue III, was scheduled to visit for a demonstration, but was instead called into action by HM Coastguard to assist a vessel with mechanical failure near Runswick Bay. The casualty boat was taken under tow to Whitby, the nearest suitable port due to tidal conditions.

Back in Staithes, stalls lined the harbour and the Rapid Relief Team fired up the BBQ. Visitors were treated to the arrival of Redcar RNLI’s Atlantic 85 and Whitby RNLI’s Shannon Class lifeboat. At 2pm, a dramatic explosion—reminiscent of traditional maroons—signalled the official opening of the event. Stormy Stan made a cheerful appearance, posing for photos with visitors, while rescue demonstrations captivated crowds in the harbour.

The afternoon saw the ever-popular raft race, with one enthusiastic participant wielding a broom as an oar. The fancy dress parade added colour and flair, culminating in a lively performance by the Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues Orchestra. As night fell, G2 Fireworks lit up the sky with a spectacular display, continuing their generous tradition of support.

The hotly contested Duck Race brought excitement to the final day, with Daffy Duck emerging victorious. Sunday morning featured open-air services in both Staithes and Runswick Bay, offering moments of reflection and gratitude. During the Staithes service, Jitu Desai received a certificate recognising his continued support of Lifeboat Weekend and his generous contribution of the fireworks display. Lifeboat crew member Cameron Sykes was also commended for his response to a medical incident in the village, reflecting the dedication of RNLI volunteers both on and off water.

Colin Harrison, Lifeboat Weekend Coordinator, shared his appreciation: 'We were blessed with glorious weather for this year’s Lifeboat Weekend, and thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the support from our community, it was a truly memorable event.

'On behalf of Staithes and Runswick RNLI Lifeboat Station, heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a success.'

Notes to Editors
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat has been in operation since 1978 with Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats (ILBs). The present ILB at the station B-897 Sheila and Dennis Tongue III has been on station since 2016.

RNLI media contacts
For further information, please contact James Stoker, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at: [email protected] or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East) on 07824 518641 or, [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its 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 146,700 lives.

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