RNLI Festival Success

Audlem's RNLI Festival started with a BANG as the Lincoln Cowboy Regulators opened the festival with a wild-west shootout in the cowboy town they recreated in the wildflower meadow at Overwater Marina.

The third Audlem RNLI Festival yet again fulfilled its promise to be even more successful than the previous two years with over 1,500 people taking part to raise £4,000 in donations for the RNLI to support their valuable life-saving work.

Hosted by award winning Overwater Marina, the weekend charity event had all manner of events, including on the Saturday evening the cowboys, Irish dancing, great music, a fantastic BBQ and a really wonderful atmosphere.

The Sun was out for the main event on Sunday, which was a fun day for all the family, with the return of the now famous 'around the island' raft race. Several teams competed including two from Hibberts Solicitors, Cheshire Community Police and Ellis Engineering. Winning first prize was Audlem's Bridge Inn team and although last to finish, the "best dressed raft" was won by Overwater's "Psycho Shower Babes". After several sinking moments, Audlem's Fire Station team were second to last to finish.

Of historic interest were original working narrow boat 'Saturn' and a steam powered launch. Expert boat handling, hiring and buying advice was supplied by Cheshire Cat Narrowboats, Boat Finder and BCBM Boat Management. The emergency services were well represented by Cheshire Constabulary, Underwater Search & Rescue Police Divers and Cheshire Fire & Rescue.

Steve Leonard, the vet from the telly and of Leonard Brothers Vets, hosted the popular dog show, which had many winners and some fantastic prizes. Other animal antics on the day included pony rides, falconry displays and free coarse fishing classes from Stapeley Anglers. Both children and adults were also encouraged to get fit and have a go on the hula hoop stand.

Rodney Cottrell event organiser says "I am absolutely delighted that over the last 4 years the Audlem Lass Boat Service, with the assistance of Overwater Marina, have raised over £16,000 for the RNLI and we look forward to raising even more at next year's exciting event."

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