CrewFest ‘25 sees record support for Torbay RNLI

Building on the success of last year’s CrewFest, the annual event, which took place on Saturday 16th August at Kings Quay, Brixham, saw generous donations, subject to a final audit, exceeding £10,500 – over 40% more than at last year’s event. And over 3,000 residents and visitors feasted on the best of the bay’s local food, drink and music as they supported the incredible work of the Torbay RNLI lifeboat station.

Mouth-watering seafood dishes were expertly cooked by the volunteer crew with locally-caught scallops, cuttlefish and golden fillets. The Pig Apple served burgers and hot dogs made from local-reared pork and beef, as well as a vegan option. All accompanied by locally-brewed craft ales and lagers offered in the Bays Brewery pop-up bar, including Ahoy, Bays’ latest charity beer, brewed in aid of the RNLI.

Brixham-based Camplin’s Cakes offered a wide selection of their delicious cakes and cookies. And, to round it off, the crews’ family and friends offered Cream Teas with home-made scones and lashings of clotted cream.

There was fun for children too, with a wide range of games on offer in the afternoon. A opportunity to dress up in RNLI kit and colour-in some RNLI lifeboats gave our younger visitors the chance to dream of a future career with the RNLI. Plus, there was face-painting too, with our not-so-young event organiser, opting for an RNLI-inspired look.

A raffle, organised by Camplin’s Cakes and raising almost £2,000, saw 57 local businesses generously donate prizes with a top prize of a £500-value wheel refurbishment from DB Luxury Cars.

Music from local bands and artists throughout the afternoon and evening also showcased Torbay’s local talent. Headlined by a rousing 90-minute set from local 5-piece band Freeway that filled the dance floor as the sun was setting, music from Planet Uke, followed by sets from James Wills, Chris Thomas, Rob Hunt and The Incredible Chocolate Gorillas provided the perfect soundtrack to the event.

The event took place with the support of many local businesses. Inter-Line Building Supplies, Devon’s leading building merchant and DIY store, was the event’s generous lead sponsor. Main sponsors, Paignton-based Bays Brewery supplied the locally-brewed beer, as well as local cider and other drinks, with Havills Electrical Services supplying the electrical set-up.

Seafood was generously donated by Combe Fish, More Seafood and Sefton Limited with additional support from Halletts the Bakers and The Guardhouse Café.

And enhancing the evening’s party atmosphere were festoon lights generously donated by Light It Up Torbay.

Throughout the day, Torbay RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews cooked, cleared-up and mingled, supported by the Torbay RNLI Fundraisers team and other Torbay RNLI volunteers who welcomed the many visitors to the event.

Ron Campion, CrewFest’s Event organiser and volunteer Launch Authority for Torbay RNLI said, ‘It was a fantastic day for everyone. The whole Torbay RNLI team was able to meet and thank the many supporters of our lifeboat station as they enjoyed the local food, drink and entertainment in perfect summer weather. A big thank you goes out to the many local businesses, led by Inter-Line, who along with the crew, made it all possible. And of course, thanks too for the generous donations given by the many visitors to the event. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.’

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.