Whitby Boxing Day Dip cancelled due to Covid-19

This year's Boxing Day Dip in Whitby has been cancelled.
Spectators watching last year's Boxing Day dip.
picture: Brian MurfieldSpectators watching last year's Boxing Day dip.
picture: Brian Murfield
Spectators watching last year's Boxing Day dip. picture: Brian Murfield

Whitby & District Lions Club has announced that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has taken the unprecedented decision to cancel the 2020 Boxing Day Dip.

The club investigated all possible ways of holding the event, but due to the Government and local guidelines/laws placed on holding such events, the club felt it had no other option but to cancel the event, along with its Christmas charity tombola.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Brian Harrison of Whitby Lions said: "Last year we had a record-breaking response with more than 200 dippers taking part and at least a thousand spectators supporting the event and joining in with the fun.

Competitors braving the sea at last year's Boxing Day Dip.
picture: Brian MurfieldCompetitors braving the sea at last year's Boxing Day Dip.
picture: Brian Murfield
Competitors braving the sea at last year's Boxing Day Dip. picture: Brian Murfield

"As a result, the club raised more than £14,000 for various local and national charities.

"We also featured on national television with BBC Breakfast filming live at the event on Boxing Day morning.

"We had hoped for an equally successful event this year and so this announcement comes with a heavy heart for prospective dippers, onlookers and charities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The club would again like to thank everyone who entered, volunteered and supported last year’s Boxing Day Dip.

"Hopefully, the situation will improve so that our events and, more importantly, our lives can get back to feeling something more towards normal during 2021.

"The club would like people to know that we are here to support our local community through these difficult times."

Contact the Lions if your charity, organisation or club has been adversely affected by the pandemic and its restrictions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We hope everyone stays safe and we will see you in the near future," added Brian.

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you,

Jean MacQuarrie, Editor-in-Chief