West Bay - Dorset
Annual Events in the West Bay Area

June

Vintage Rally
Organised by the West Dorset Vintage Tractor and Stationary Engine Club
The rally is held on the second weekend in June, to show engines and tractors driven by various forms of power, both in miniature and full size.  Numerous market stalls are also available to keep enthusiasts interested.  Formed in 1976, the rally has been held in West Bay since 1996.

Balmoral Jurassic Coast Cruise
Organised by Waverley Excursions
The Passanger Ship 'Balmoral' departs from the harbour for a day cruise along the Jurassic Coast, then on to view the Isle of Wight coastline.  The return to Bridport is by coach.

July

R N L I Raft Race
Organised by the Royal National Lifeboat Institute
Participants build (beforehand) a 'floating vessel' (raft) and row it a few hundred yards up the River Brit before returning to the lake by the harbour sluice gates.  The idea is to avoid sinking, capsizing, falling in, etc.  The rafts and participants are usually 'dressed up'.

August

R N L I Fun Day
Organised by the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and H. M. Coastguard
The local R.N.L.I. Lifeboats of Weymouth and Lyme Regis perform a mock sea rescue off East Beach in conjunction with Portland's H.M. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and West Bay's H.M. Coastguard Rescue Service Team.

Pirates Day
Organised by West Bay Websites (westbay.co.uk)
A fun packed afternoon for all the family, with games, raffle, stalls, roaming entertainers, Pirates O' War (tug of war on the beach), cream teas and much more!  A fun opportunity to dress up as a pirate.  In aid of Julia's House, the Dorset Children's Hospice and other participating charities.  Pirates Day is held on the second Sunday in August.

Carnival Torchlight Procession
Organised by Bridport Carnival
Held on the last evening of the Bridport Carnival and signifying the end of the event.  Participants can purchase a torch and join the evening procession from South Street, Bridport to East Beach, West Bay.  The event concludes with a spectacular firework display on the beach.  The Carnival is held on the third Saturday in August, with the Torchlight Procession on the next evening (Sunday).

Melplash Show
Organised by the Melplash Agricultural Society
The Melplash Show began from a wager between two farmers at the Half Moon Inn in Melplash.  They placed a £5 bet on whose men could plough better.  From this initial event, the Melplash Agricultural Society was formed in 1847.  Ultimately the show became too large to be held in Melplash and in around 1930 it was transferred to West Bay.  The show is held on the Thursday before August Bank Holiday weekend.
The aim is to support local farming with various displays from Sheepdogs to Falconry, while marquees house local businesses promoting their produce.

December

West Bay Wallow
Originally organised for CLIC Sargent (children's cancer charity)
Held each year at midday on Boxing Day.  Participants, many in fancy dress, swim about 200 yards out from East Beach to a marker and back again for charity.  The event was originally in aid of 'CLIC' Sargent - 'Caring for Children with Cancer' charity and started by John & Marlyn McHugh as a tribute to their grandson Brett who died of cancer at the age of ten.  The event is now run by Bridport Round Table.  Participants can support their own individual charity.