With warmer weather and longer days finally here, RNLI stations are preparing for their Summer festivities. See you there!

Portpatrick Lifeboat Week
Set in an idyllic harbour on Scotland’s south west coast, the Portpatrick Lifeboat Week is a real highlight in the Scottish RNLI fundraising calendar. With a raft race, talent contest, sea rescue demonstration and firework display, it should prove to be a spectacular week!

WHERE AND WHEN?
Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway
27 July–2 August

HOW?
Visit RNLI.org/Portpatrick for a complete programme of events.

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
Tipped to be one of the best family events in the south west this Summer, enjoy a week of fun, music, games and displays at Lyme Regis in Dorset. The RAF Falcons will be parachuting in on the Sunday and the Red Arrows will give an awe-inspiring performance on the Thursday. Throughout the week you’ll find all kinds of things to enjoy, from sandcastle competitions and rubber duck races, to chef demonstrations and teddy bear picnics. Not to be missed!

WHERE AND WHEN?
Lyme Regis Harbour, Dorset
19–26 July

HOW?
Visit facebook.com/LymeRegisLifeboatWeek for more information.

Valentia Island King Scallop Festival
In July, Valentia Island holds its annual celebration of the sumptuous native king scallop. TV chef Martin Shanahan gives a cookery demonstration, local chefs go head-to-head in the scallop cook-off, and there’ll be plenty of tasting sessions to enjoy.

Beyond honouring the local delicacy, you can immerse yourself in a host of sporting, musical and angling events. Visit on the Sunday to see the RNLI and Coast Guard rescue helicopter display in the harbour (subject to operational availability).

WHERE AND WHEN?
Valentia Island, Co Kerry
13–14 July

HOW?
Visit valentiaisland.ie for the full schedule of events.

Aberdovey Lifeboat Week
For 1 week each Summer, the beautiful seaside village of Aberdovey goes all out to celebrate the bravery of its RNLI volunteer crew members with a programme of sport, games, barbecues and raft races. This year they’re following it up on 9 August with an RNLI Music Festival.

WHERE AND WHEN?
Aberdovey, Gwynedd
26 July–1 August

HOW?
Visit facebook.com/aberdyfi.lifeboat for all the details.

Want more?
The RNLI calendar is brimming with Summer events. Visit RNLI.org/events to find out what’s happening near you – and here’s just a taste of what’s coming up (please check before travel to avoid disappointment):

Throughout the Summer
Swim Safe 2014
Free beach safety sessions for 7–14 year olds at Bude, Bournemouth and South Shields. See: swimming.org/go/parents/ swim-safe.

6 July
St Ives RNLI Sportive
A 60-mile bike ride around the stunning west Cornwall peninsula.

26 July
East Sussex Youth Orchestra Concert
An enthralling night showcasing some of the county’s finest young musicians.

28 July
Bridlington RNLI Flag Day
Stalls, beach games and lifeboats on the South Promenade.

2 August
Beaumaris lifeboat and helicopter demonstration
A fantastic display with an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat and RAF rescue helicopter.

2 August
Donaghadee Lifeboat Festival
Kicking off a fortnight of festival fun in the iconic Co Down town.

7 September
Great North Run
Run in the world’s greatest half marathon, or come and cheer Team RNLI with us! Email [email protected] for more information or to register.