On Christmas Day, people in Suffolk took part in a traditional dip in the North Sea to raise money for charity. More than 600 people entered the water in Felixstowe, with many more watching on. Swimmers – many wearing festive costumes – raised money for charity in Felixstowe and Lowestoft. Some swimmers even dressed up in Santa Claus costumes to add to the festive spirit.
The event in Felixstowe saw swimmers line up along the beach before charging into the sea. This is the 19th time the event has been held in Felixstowe. The Everyone Active 2023 Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim – the 44th time the event has been held – took place in the bay north of the Claremont Pier. Large crowds gathered in Lowestoft to watch the swimmers enter the North Sea while a wide variety of fancy dress outfits were displayed.
Brandon Orton, events and challenges fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said, “A huge well done and thank you to all our brilliant dippers who supported this year’s Christmas Day Dip. A special thank you must also go to the supporters and volunteers who made the event possible and provided such a fantastically festive atmosphere.”
Donna Taylor, of Everyone Active, said, “We are delighted to have played our part in this special event, which is of such importance to the local community and fantastic charitable causes. It was great to welcome everyone this morning, not just the participants but also the people of all ages who came down to cheer them. There were some fantastic costumes on display and our congratulations go to those who took part.”
It is a yearly tradition in the area, where this swim has been held multiple times. It is a great example of the community coming together to raise money for charity, while also commemorating the festive season
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