Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week 2025 has been hailed a huge success, raising over £21,200 to be distributed to local good causes — an increase of more than £2,000 on the 2024 total.
The celebrations began on Friday 1st August with a firework display, followed by the Torchlight Procession which saw hundreds of torchbearers weave through Langmoor and Lister Gardens before forming a striking ring of fire on the sandy beach.
A packed week of family-friendly activities followed, including bingo, welly wanging, egg catching, a dog show, duck race, beach treasure hunt, sandcastle competition, junior town crier contest, beat the goalie, pavement art, wacky wheelbarrow race, and a DJ night at the Marine Theatre. The festivities culminated in the Grand Carnival Procession on Saturday 9th August, which once again drew large crowds and a fantastic party atmosphere.
Chairman of the Regatta and Carnival Team, Alan Vian, said:
“The week was a massive success and it was wonderful to see so many local people and visitors enjoying Carnival Week events. The atmosphere in town for the procession was amazing and it was great to see so many local organisations taking part. I would like to say a big thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who came along to help — without volunteers Carnival Week would not happen.”
Organiser Rob James said: "We are delighted to have raised more money than last year which will be distributed to local good causes.
“I’d like to thank our primary sponsors Lyme Bay Holidays and Toad Hall Cottages plus all the wonderful local business supporters who contributed financially: Alexandra Hotel, Ammonite Removals, Beautifully Baked by Charlene, Bright Future Financial, Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, Finishing Touch Hair Salon, The Harbour Inn, Harry May Boat Trips, Herbies, Hook Farm, Largigi Cafe, Kitson & Trotman, Love Lyme Regis, Lyme 1 Hotel, Lyme Bay Boat Trips, Lyme Regis Amusements, Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, Lyme Regis Stays, Lyme Rib Rides, Newlands Holiday Park, Obstgarten Homes, Polar Bar, Poco Pizza, Rock Point Inn, Rob Perry Marine, The Royal Lion Hotel, Scott Rowe Solicitors, Strawberry Tree, SWIM, Tom's, Timber Vale Caravan Park, The Royal Standard, Rockfish, The Slipway, Town Mill Bakery, Westwood House and all the other businesses who provided a prize for our bingo or raffles.
"We are also grateful to Lyme Regis Town Council for their significant financial contribution towards the fireworks and the owners of St Andrews Meadow who kindly allowed us use of the field for event parking."
Next year’s Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week will run from Friday 31st July to Saturday 8th August 2026.
Organising Team 2025: Alan Vian (Chairman), Rob James, Karen Skardon James, Annette Denning, Gilly Clark, Jacob Denning, Joshua Denning, Ellis Holt, AJ Hutchings, Angela Main, Lynnette Ravenscroft, Mark Lester.
