Freshwater Bay was transformed into a sea of pirate flags, cutlasses and community spirit on Saturday 16th August as the Freshwater Independent Lifeboat (FILB) held its annual Day at the Bay fundraising event.
Hundreds of Islanders and visitors turned out to enjoy live music, games, stalls, raffles, and the ever-popular “Soak the Crew” challenge — all while raising over £7,000 and counting to support the volunteer lifeboat’s lifesaving work.
Macgregor: A huge thank you
Crew member and event organiser Josh Macgregor said,
“A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped us raise over a whopping £7,000 and counting!
“Our ‘Day At The Bay’ is vital to our annual operating cost and we couldn’t do it without the fantastic volunteers, local community and Island businesses who take part.”
Live entertainment
The day’s entertainment opened with the vibrant FaT Samba Group, followed by performances from Huxley Magic, The Bay Wailers, and local favourite Greg Barnes, who set the stage alive before the afternoon auction.
Highlights included a lively tug of war with the Freshwater Fire Crew, record-breaking raffle ticket sales, and the evening finale with local band Storm, which had the whole community dancing together on the bay front.
Adams: The counting machine has been kept very busy
Principal fundraiser Rod Adams confirmed the totals,
“Total income so far for the day stands at £7,128.40, made up of raffle, auction, stalls, refreshments, shop sales and donations.
“We’ll also be receiving further contributions from Fat Shaun’s, the Travelling Tavern and Wightwood Pizza, so the final figure will be even higher.
“A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make the day such a success — my counting machine has been kept very busy!”
Breakdown of donations
The raffle alone brought in £2,446, while refreshments raised £447, and “Soak the Crew” added another £140 (with some very soggy banknotes to prove it).
Over 25 stallholders and local businesses supported the event, including the Albion Hotel who sponsored the stage, and Compton Farm who provided hay bales.
Macgregor: The atmosphere was incredible
Josh added,
“Thank you to all of our amazing stall holders, volunteers, raffle prize donors, and everyone who supported us.
“The atmosphere was incredible, and we’re already looking forward to making next year — our 5th anniversary Day at the Bay — even bigger.”
Relies entirely on donations
As an independent service, Freshwater Lifeboat is not funded by the RNLI and relies entirely on donations and fundraising to cover its running costs.
Events like Day at the Bay are a vital part of keeping the lifeboat ready to launch 24/7 to protect lives around the Isle of Wight’s coastline.
News shared by Martin Newham on behalf of Freshwater Independent Lifeboat. Ed
