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 after WW2 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.
Events in the Area
West Bay
Balmoral Jurassic Cruise
Balmoral Lyme Bay Cruise
Blackbuoy Cup Swim
Dog Show
Fun Fair
Ghost Walks
Heritage Walk
K9 Day
Lifeguards
Melplash Show
Pirates Day
RNLI Fun Day
RNLI Raft Race
Sea Sunday
Vintage Rally
Wallow
