Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim returns with 'Music Legends' theme

‘Music Legends’ will be the theme for the next Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim - which sits proudly as the UK’s largest festive dip!

The 41st Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim takes place on Friday, January 1, 2027 at 2pm, when thousands of participants are expected to descend on Saundersfoot beach once again.

The event has become famous for its colourful fancy dress, lively atmosphere and extraordinary community spirit.

This year's theme ‘Music Legends‘ invites participants to dress as their favourite musical icons, with prizes for the best individual and group costumes.

The 2026 milestone swim, celebrating 40 years of the event, attracted a record breaking number of registered participants and raised more than £31,000 for charities and worthy causes.

3,323 registered swimmers braved the chilly waters at Saundersfoot Beach, cheered on by around 10,000 spectators.

Over the years, the event has raised more than £800,000 for charities and good causes, thanks to the incredible generosity of swimmers, sponsors and supporters.

What began in 1984 with just 10 swimmers has grown into a spectacular coastal event.

The event was only ever meant as a one off to raise funds for the new sports club changing rooms and equipment for the medical centre, but 40 years later it is one of the premier events in the county calendar.

A Swim has been organised at Saundersfoot since 1984 by Saundersfoot Festivities. The very first swim was on Boxing Day in 1984 when just a handful of hardy locals got together and entered the sea for charity.

The following year it was decided to switch the swim to its now famous New Year’s Day slot.

Over the years the swim has grown in stature and occasion with thousands taking part, and thousands more watching and supporting around the village’s beachfront and harbour.

It has become the biggest occasion on the Saundersfoot social calendar, and is recognised by Pembrokeshire County Council as a major event.

The swim wouldn’t be possible without the continued dedication of its sponsors, event partners, volunteers and, of course, the brave swimmers who take the plunge each New Year’s Day.

A spokesperson for the event shared: “Whether you’re fundraising for a cause close to your heart, joining in the fancy dress fun or simply cheering from the beach, you’ll be part of an unforgettable community celebration.

“From rock stars and pop icons to disco divas and country legends, why not dress as your favourite music star and make a splash?”

Prizes will be once again awarded for the best individual and group fancy dress.

For 2027, the Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim will once again support local charities and community organisations, including the Paul Sartori Foundation and RVS Pembrokeshire Country Cars.

Saundersfoot Festivities Chairman, Chris Williams, said: “The village and wider community have done us proud year after year. Our driving force, as always, is the huge number of fantastic causes that benefit.”

Registration for the 41st Swim is now open. For further information, visit: www.saundersfoot.co.uk/nyds/