Newquay gears up for Lifeboat Day as RNLI celebration returns to the Harbour

Lifeboat Day returns to Newquay Harbour today, with a full line-up of events planned to celebrate the lifesaving work of the RNLI's crews and lifeguards.

The annual fundraiser is a much-loved highlight in the town’s calendar, and this year’s event is set to be particularly special for one man, Gareth Horner, who is marking his final Lifeboat Day as Lifeboat Operations Manager. He is set to retire after more than 50 years service.

The day is set to begin at 9.15am, when Newquay’s lifeboats will launch to greet Padstow’s all-weather lifeboat Spirit of Padstow, which is expected to arrive in the harbour around 10.10am. Visitors will be able to step aboard and explore the vessel once it’s docked.

At 10.30am, the Lifeboat Day parade will get underway from the bottom of Marcus Hill, led by the rousing Kernow Pipes and Drums. The colourful procession will make its way through town and down to the harbour, where Newquay’s Mayor will officially open the event. Stormy Stan is also expected to make an appearance, no doubt getting up to his usual antics!

Stalls will open from 10am - offering refreshments, RNLI merchandise, and a great spot to watch the parade and harbour action.

The RNLI’s Towan Beach lifeguards will perform a rescue demonstration in the bay at 12.30pm, offering a chance to see their skills in action.

The Rowing Club singers are set to perform at 1.30pm, bringing a lively round of sea shanties and encouraging the crowd to sing along.

One of the day's main highlights will follow at 2pm, when Newquay and Padstow lifeboat crews return to the water for a joint demonstration. The display will showcase the rescue capabilities of the crews and their boats, providing a thrilling end to the day’s events.

Lifeboat Day is free to attend, with donations raised going to support the RNLI’s vital work saving lives at sea

The car park at the harbour will be closed to vehicles but Newquay Towan Blystra Lions won't be far away with a minibus to and from the top of the hill.