RNLI celebrate Heritage open days and 200 years of saving lives at sea
The RNLI is proud to be taking part in Heritage open days 2025, with a series of unique opportunities for the public to go behind the scenes at Happisburgh lifeboat station and to celebrate the charity’s 200th anniversary at Cinema City in Norwich.
200 years of the RNLI in film Cinema City, Norwich
As part of celebrating over 200 years of the RNLI, Cinema City (Norwich, NR2 4AD) will host a day of films, entertainment and hands-on activities on Saturday 20 September, 10:00am–5:00pm.
The day will include:
- Films showcasing the RNLI’s lifesaving work (10:00am–12:00pm)
- Live performances from Jon-Claire-Bob (12:00am–12:30pm), Dove & Boweevil Band (1:00pm–1:45pm) and John Fennell (3:30pm–4:00pm)
- Stop animation workshops with Leeder Studios (11:00am–1:00pm and 2:00pm–4:00pm)
- Family fun in the covered courtyard with origami, colouring and games.
No pre-booking is required for the Cinema City event just come along and join the celebrations.
Rebecca Whyte Community Manager said: ‘We’re really excited to be opening our doors for Heritage Open Days this September and to be celebrating over 200 years of the RNLI. These free events are a fantastic chance for people to step behind the scenes, meet the crew, and experience the incredible history and spirit of lifesaving at Happisburgh and Norwich. As a charity, we rely entirely on donations to keep our lifeboats launching, so while all events are free to attend, every donation on the day will help us continue saving lives at sea.’
Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Special Access Tours and Events
Visitors will have rare access to the crew room, kit room and a special station presentation, along with the chance to meet the volunteers who save lives at sea.
- Sunday 14 September 10:00am–12:00pm
Visit Centre Open special access (20 tickets available) - Monday 15 September
Session 1: 10:00–12:00 Session 2: 2:00pm–4:00pm
(20 tickets available per session) - Tuesday 16 September 7:00pm–9:00pm
An Evening with the Crew an exclusive adult-only event hosted by professional interviewer David Whitely (Anglia TV News). Includes refreshments, shop open, and the chance to hear first-hand stories from the lifeboat crew. (40 tickets available) - Thursday 18 September
Session 1: 10:00am–12:00pm | Session 2: 2:00pm–4:00pm
(20 tickets available per session) - Sunday 21 September | 10:00am–12:00pm
Visit Centre Open plus a lifeboat launch and close inshore exercise (weather and operational circumstances permitting).
RNLI Media contacts For more information, please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Notes to Editor
Links to Heritage open days event booking forms for Happisburgh Lifeboat Station An Audience With The Crew, RNLI Happisburgh Lifeboat Station Tour
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.