by Sam Hawcroft
Hornsea Inshore Rescue is gearing up for its first-ever Christmas Lights Party, promising an evening of festive cheer for all the family while kickstarting the charity’s fundraising appeal for its rooftop terrace project.
The free event on Friday, December 13, starting at 5pm at the lifeboat station on the South Promenade, aims to bring the community together while raising awareness of the charity’s vital work.
The event boasts a packed programme of activities, including visits with Santa Claus, who will be handing out official “Nice List” certificates, festive foam fun provided by Blip Active, Christmas crafts with the elves, and music from the Hornsea Shanty Lasses and singer Rebecca Ivy Briggs. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a decorated tractor and lights display on the driveway outside the station.
Sue Hickson-Marsay, CEO and station manager of Hornsea Inshore Rescue, said: “We’re very excited about this event – and it’s all about the lights! We want to see people in their Christmas jumpers with lights on, antlers, anything festive. Santa and his elves will be there, we’ll be making reindeer food, and we’ve got fantastic music lined up. It’s going to be wonderful.
“It’s completely free to attend – though there will be collection buckets on the night. All donations will go to supporting Hornsea Inshore Rescue. It’s a chance to make special memories and spread some Christmas cheer.”
The Christmas Lights Party also marks the launch of a public appeal – entitled Making a Splash – for a new project at Hornsea’s boat launch, which operates separately from the lifeboat station. Plans are in place to transform the rooftop into a community café and hub, with profits supporting the lifeboat charity’s lifesaving efforts.
Kristina Richardson is a voluntary independent charity adviser who has been working with Hornsea Inshore Rescue on the rooftop project as well as the planning of the Christmas event.
She and Dave Penson of Blip Active came on board on the back of Withernsea’s Blue Light Weekend, in which Hornsea Inshore Rescue’s training boat played a key safety role.
Kristina said: “Dave and I, as local advocates for community-based work, are really keen to share some of that ethos with the neighbouring community. We said it would be good to trial some local community-led events to grow the visibility of the lifeboat charity in its own right.
“Hornsea Inshore Rescue has been saving lives since 1994, and this project will help ensure that continues. The new community café will provide a social space while generating funds for the lifeboat.
“The charity is solely reliant on community fundraising and doesn’t get any government funding, so what we’re trying to do is make the lifesaving element sustainable for many years to come. This event will kickstart that fundraising appeal.”
Sue added: “The public has been asking when this project will happen, and we’ve been working hard to secure grants.
“While we’ll never use donations intended for the lifeboat, this separate appeal is essential.
“Starting with this event, we’re inviting the community to support us in making this vision a reality.”
For more information, visit the Hornsea Inshore Rescue website or follow them on social media.
