Sunshine over the sea for those going for gold at Tenby’s Boxing Day Swim

The sun shone for those braving the chilly water to take part in Tenby’s Boxing Day Swim, which celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The legendary event has been absent from the Christmas scene for two years because of the Covid pandemic, with last year’s Welsh Government regulations scuppering it with just seven days’ notice.

It first took to the water in 1970 with just a handful of people as an out-of-season publicity stunt.

Over the years it has snowballed into one of Wales’ top festive attractions and is ranked in the top 10 of Britain’s barmiest seasonal swims.

The many thousands of swimmers and spectators who have enjoyed the silly spectacle over the decades have helped to raise more than £300,000 for charities and good causes.

More than 800 delighted dippers splashed out to celebrate the 50th anniversary in style today (December 26).

Tenby’s Mayor and county councillor for the south ward, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall – who is also a year-round sea swimmer - was amongst the event’s brave bathers.

“After waiting two years, it’s wonderful to be finally able to celebrate the swim’s anniversary,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming!

“It’s been a very special event with a fantastic atmosphere and lovely to see so many people here.”

Chris Osborne, whose family have been involved with the swim since it began, and who chairs its organisers, Tenby Sera Swimming Association, said: “Given that we’ve had a two-year absence, it’s heartwarming to know that people haven’t forgotten us.

“The organised chaos that is the Tenby Boxing Day Swim has returned. We’ve all missed it – I don’t think we realised how much.

“We are very grateful to all our sponsors and everyone who has helped us over the past 50 years, and especially this year.”

Fancy dress winners were as follows: adult (prize of a meal for two in Harbwr Bar and Kitchen), Vicky McCarthy Dowding (diver); adult group (sweets donated by Nicole Evans), Tenby Bluetits (Wonderwomen); child (Heatherton Escape Room experience), Amelia Beggs (star); child group (sweets donated by Sainsburys), James, Sophia and Amelia Titterton (book characters).

A blazing bonfire, hot soup served by Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions, festive music and a commentary from DJ Steve Briers and the presentation of commemorative medals added to the fun of the event.

The 50th anniversary Tenby Boxing Day Swim is raising money for the Tenby Memory Café, the Dai Rees Foundation, Tenby RNLI and the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The event is sponsored by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Harbour Wealth Award Winning Independent Financial Planners, N.D. Toy & Partners Insurance Consultants, Milford Haven Port Authority, Princes Gate Water and Outer Reef.