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Staithes and Runswick Bay prepare for big weekend
Staithes and Runswick Lifeboat stations proudly combine idyllic settings and breathtaking displays at their annual Lifeboat Weekend, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for the charity from this Friday.
The showpiece long weekend, which starts today and is on until Sunday, is held to raise funds for the RNLI but it also gives the public a unique chance to see the local lifeboats and coastguards in action.
Throughout the three-day-celebration, there are numerous events and activities in the villages of Staithes and Runswick Bay with fun for all the family.
Staithes is the place to be on Friday evening when the events begin with the East Cleveland Belles marching from the bank top car park down to the harbour.
There will be a display at 6.45pm from the popular ladies' band on the staith. The upbeat mood continues apace with The Famous Nightgown Parade through the cobbled streets of Staithes at 7.30pm. Anything goes, but don't forget your night attire.
Meanwhile, down the coast at Runswick Bay, the official Runswick opening at 10.30am is followed by a 90-minute sea-treat as lifeboats from Whitby, Redcar and the local "Pride of Leicester" take part in a unique exercise from 11.
The Trent Class makes the trip up from North Yorkshire, whilst the Atlantic 75 Class journeys south to accompany auxiliary coastguard units, who appear subject to operational requirements.
A packed schedule at Staithes begins at 2.00pm with the traditional opening ceremony, which last year featured best-selling author Gervase Phinn.
Then, at 2.45pm, visitors can witness the RAF search and rescue helicopter teaming up with lifeboats and coastguard in an astonishing life-saving demonstration.
Hartlepool and Redcar Sea Cadets display on the staith, before the entertaining Raft Race has competitors skimming along the harbour in home-made crafts around 4pm. There's an opportunity to throw yourself into the dressing up box from six with a Fancy Dress Parade from the staith.
You'll want to stick around for a mouth-watering barbecue which precedes a great evening of family entertainment on the sea front.
The night is rounded off by a breath-taking pyrotechnic display at 10pm, courtesy of the G2 fireworks team.
But that's not all, hundreds of ducks will be racing down Staithes Beck from 11am Sunday in pursuit of Duck Race glory. Why not join in the fun and back your own lucky duck?
Runswick Bay is the place for a picturesque open-air Thanksgiving Service from 3pm, near the old Lifeboat Station. Staithes then brings down the curtain on the weekend's events with a deeply-moving evening ceremony.
This service of Thanksgiving will be at Staithes Lifeboat Station at 6.30pm and includes the North Skelton Band with Hartlepool and Redcar Sea Cadets.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
