The fancy dress theme for the 2026 Boxing Day Swim in Tenby has been revealed...
Those taking part in the 54th swim will be able to take ‘all things seaside’ into the North Beach waters with them this year.
Named as one of Britain’s top ten barmiest winter dips, Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim has been an institution in the small Pembrokeshire town for more than 50 years.
The Tenby Boxing Day Swim is organised by the Tenby Sea Swimming Association, and has snowballed over the years into one of Wales’ top festive highlights.
Over the years, it has raised thousands upon thousands for local, national and international charities and good causes.
Following the stampede for the sea, dippers can look forward to hot soup and commemorative medals – and that glow of pride from taking part!
The first Tenby Boxing Day Swim took place in 1971 and saw £400 raised for radar equipment for the town’s lifeboat.
The event attracted 100 participants and swimmers were led into the water by veteran dipper, 86-year-old Mary Hallwright of Tenby.
The event took the plunge for the 50th time in 2022, making a welcome return to the winter calendar after being side lined by the Covid pandemic.
Last year, the famous Boxing Day Swim splashed out for the 53rd time with a special tribute to Wales.
Those taking the plunge, took on the fancy dress theme of ‘All Things Welsh’.
Well known local actor Joshua Richards (who played Bear Wolf in Emmerdale) started the swim with the ceremonial 'dropping of the rope' to start the dash to the sea, as a record-breaking 1,225 swimmers charged down the seaside town’s North Beach into the chilly sea.
Every year, the swim raises money for good causes and last year supported - the Tenby branch of the RNLI Branch of RNLI, Tenby Sea Cadets, Tenby’s Old Chapel Community Café and Sandy Bear Child Bereavement Charity.
Those taking the plunge are kindly ask for a suggested donation of £10 per swimmer – not an entry fee, but a way to support local causes while taking part.
More than £5,500 was raised by the record-breaking 2025 Swim, which was then donated to help organisations at the heart of the community.
Tenby RNLI, Tenby Sea Cadets, The Old Chapel and Sandy Bear each received £1,100; Tenby Surf Lifesaving Club was presented with £1,000 and Tenby Rowing Club was given £150.
Of those to benefit, Tenby RNLI station manager Carl Evans described the swim as ‘iconic’ , embedded in the life of the town in a similar way to the RNLI and Tenby Sea Cadets.
Tenby’s Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan, said he was proud to be involved with the cadet organisation, who were given the Freedom of the Town back in September - the greatest honour that Tenby can bestow in recognition of outstanding and distinguished service, marking 75 years since their affiliation with the Navy League.
The donation to The Old Chapel, which provides a warm community space, went towards heating costs.
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