Annual Events in the West Bay Area
May
Pirates Day
Organised by West Bay Days
A fun packed afternoon for all the family with pirate themed entertainment!
A fun opportunity to dress up as a pirate. Held on the late Bank Holiday Sunday in May.
Proceeds go to supporting West Bay Days’ annual awards to local charities and groups.
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.
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
Summer Fun Fair
Orgainised by David and Carol Wynn
The fun fair normally arrives during the last week in July and lasts throughout the whole of the
summer school holidays. Situated by the River Brit 'Riverside' area, the Wynn family have held a
fun fair at West Bay since the early 1970s.
West Bay Day
Organised by West Bay Days
A fun packed afternoon and evening for all the family, with live music, out door bar, stalls,
pirate games, delicious home made cakes and teas, and much more. West Bay Day is held on the first
Sunday in August and proceeds go to supporting West Bay Days’ annual awards to local charities and groups.
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.
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.
October
Bonfire Night on East Beach
Organised by West Bay Days
Bonfire, live music, an out door bar, food and other stalls with a professional fireworks display.
Entry is free but donations are appreciated and the proceeds go to supporting West Bay Days’
annual awards to local charities and groups as well as providing a Christmas Tree on Harbour Green
throughout December. Held on the last Saturday in October.
December
Christmas Tree on the Green
Organised by West Bay Days
A celebration with brass band, Christmas carols, free refreshments, and a visit from Santa before
the lighting up of the Christmas Tree which remains on Harbour Green throughout December.
Proceeds go to supporting West Bay Days’ annual awards to local charities and groups.
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 (past and present) in the Area
West Bay
Balmoral Jurassic Cruise
Balmoral Lyme Bay Cruise
Blackbuoy Cup Swim
Bonfire Night
Coast to Coast Challenge
Dog Show
Fun Fair
Heritage Walk
K9 Day
Lifeguards
Melplash Show
Pirates Day
Power Boat Racing
RNLI Fun Day
RNLI Raft Race
Sea Sunday
Vintage Rally
Wallow
West Bay Day
