Thousands turn out for Hoylake Lifeboat day (From Wirral Globe)

Thousands turn out for Hoylake Lifeboat day

3:00pm Tuesday 28th August 2012 in News

THOUSANDS of people headed to Hoylake for the town’s Lifeboat Open Day despite the gloomy weather.

The wind and rain did little to deter almost 20,000 Wirral residents turning out on Bank Holiday Monday for the annual event.

Among the attractions were funfair rides and charity stalls as well as the return of the much-loved Red Arrows which pulled out last year following a tragic accident.

Remembering the two pilots who were killed in a display in Bournemouth last year, the jets’ leader made a special tribute to them during the performance.

And organiser Carole Jackson said it is thought around £20,000 was raised for the RNLI.

She said: “Despite the rain and a slow start to Hoylake Lifeboat Open Day, the day was a huge success.

“The Trig Aerobatic team did a great display at 12 noon, followed by a fantastic 2012 display by the Red Arrows. The crowd applauded throughout the display, and it was particularly poignant when the Red Arrows leader RED 10 who was doing the commentary made reference to the two pilots killed last year.

“Open Day is a real team effort from lifeboat crew, partners, helpers and committee members - everyone has a part to make sure the day runs smoothly.”

Prior to the event, there were concerns that the world-famous jets would be unable to put on their show due to low-lying clouds and bad weather conditions.

Liverpool’s Mathew Street Festival had been cancelled due to health and safety concerns over high winds but spectators were not disappointed as the Arrows managed to soar in the skies.

Other attractions included street theatre and tours of Hoylake Lifeboat Station as well as displays from New Brighton and West Kirby RNLI.

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