Published: Thursday, 24th July, 2008 8:40am

Record crowds at lifeboat fete

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A LAST-minute burst of sunshine saved the day for organisers of Dunbar’s Lifeboat Fete on Saturday – which drew record crowds and raised more than £12,000 for the town’s RNLI.

A morning of torrential rain threatened the popular festivities and left organisers considering cancelling the event. However, by the time a colourful fancy dress parade began at 1.45pm the weather had improved and more than 4,000 revellers had gathered at the harbour to enjoy the day.

Belhaven Brewery boss Stuart Ross was given the honour of crowning this year’s lifeboat queen, Chelsea Nicol.

Around 14 teams took part in the ever popular raft race, some even making the effort to brave the waves in fancy dress. The winning team was made up of players from Heriot’s FP Rugby Club.

Fundraising convener Moira Porter said: “After a very worrying morning everything fell into place and we enjoyed a very successful afternoon.

“The station is very grateful to everyone who contributed to this amazing result.”

Volunteers will now focus their efforts on organising the celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Dunbar’s lifeboat station, taking place August 30/31.

All are welcome to attend a massive ‘party on the pier’, featuring live music, bars and entertainment, which kicks off the two-day event.

And the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be an historic re-enactment of the handing over of the town’s first lifeboat.

A harbour-side thanksgiving service rounds off the celebrations next Sunday afternoon, when RNLI chief executive Andrew Fremantle will present the station with a Vellum certificate, commemorating the special occasion.

PICTURED above, lifeboat queen Chelsea Nicol with her entourage.