The Annual Poole New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race 2017
We always try to attend local events, especially those that are raising money for charity and this year we finally got to the annual New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race on Poole Quay.
What we were not expecting was the sheer number of people who turned up to watch the race and we struggled to get a good view as our planned location to watch the race was rammed already, but we did manage to find a raised flower bed to stand on to get a view of the race.
There were literally thousands of people lining the quayside to cheer on the participants by the time the race started.
A dozen teams took part in the race and competition on the water was fraught and fierce, with eggs and water being thrown at not only each other, but also at the unsuspecting crowd.
Most of the teams were in fancy dress, including a whole raft of very orange Donald Trump’s, some Minions, Vikings and even Captain America.
Photo Credit: Bournemouth Echo
It was the team from Jenkins Marine who finally took the victory and I felt for all those who plunged into the chilly water from their homemade rafts as they attempted to win the race.
Sadly the event was all over within about 15 minutes and I feel that more could have been made of it, so we headed to one of our favourite parks to burn off some energy instead.
Whitecliff is one of our favourites as it is stunning views over Poole Harbour and is a popular landing site for the Coastguard helicopters – we always hope to see one.
The play area is huge and features include a 6m tall climbing tower, a large sandpit, a helicopter climbing frame, roundabout, witches hat, buddy swing, open grassed area, seating & picnic tables and more.
It may not have been quite the day out we had planned but we had fun and got some much needed fresh air in our lungs.
Keitha
Bath tub racing sounds like a fun event. Too bad it was so short. Hope you did not get egged. Happy New Year. #countrykids
Anna
That looks so fun, I had no idea there was bath tub race. Glad you had a good time 🙂 x
Talya
Love this – I have never heard of this but what a fun idea and fab way to see in the new year!
Sophie
This sounds (and looks!) so much fun! My son would absolutely love watching it!
Deborah Nicholas
Oh I bet this was so much fun to watch! My kids would love this!
Anosa
What a lovely event, shame it was finished within 15 minutes and feel sorry for those who plunged into the cold freezing water
Lisa Backsnbumps
I’ve never heard of this despite living here all my life! Sounds like a fun event, the boys love going to that park as well.
Alina
Never heard of such a fun race before but looks like splashing good fun! I don’t envy swimming in the cold water though haha.
Kate Williams
The race looks fun, it’s a shame it’s short but I can see why people might not want to race one for an hour 😉
five little doves
Oh this has just taken me back to when I was a child and we used to watch something like this down South somewhere, did they used to do it over the summer? I can remember going on holiday and loving all of the different bath tubs!! Must ask my parents! Looks like so much fun!
Coombe Mill - Fiona Cambouropoulos
I do love the idea. Your Sunday photo now makes sense too. So much effort must have gone into making those rafts and what fun they must have had racing, as you say it’s a shame they don’t try to make more of the day itself. Just as well you have such a great play area there. Beachfront and play area sounds perfect to me.
Thank you for sharing at #CountryKids
Anne
It does look fun but a shame it was over so quick. I guess those waters are pretty cold this time of year. I’m glad you managed to fill your day with fun at the park.
Susanna
Who would have know – an annual bathtub race! Looks like loads of fun x
Rachel
I absolutely love the idea of a bath rub race, how absolutely brilliant is that ha x
Sonia
It looks like a whole lot of fun but I’m not sure I’d fancy getting egged! I bet it hurts!
tots2travel
Did my eyes deceive me? Is that a raft full of Donald Trumps? Too funny.
Jen Walshaw
This looks like such a fun event and I am not sure it is something I would do, but I know my boys would LOVE to watch
Penny Alexander
Oh how brilliant! I remember my parents doing something similar when I was little, it was so exciting, just like this. My kids would love to see this.
Marie Barber
What a fab event! We try and attend local events too but I’ve never seen anything like this, not sure i would take part but definitely cheer in from the side 🙂
Ana De- Jesus
Haha I would have paid good money to see the orange Donald Trumps lol. I love the look of the bath tub race!
Karen | TwoTinyHands
What a lovely idea!! Bet it is amusing to watch and partake. I wouldn’t fancy the cold sea though! And a visit to the park, a perfect outing!! #countrykids
Fashion and Style Police
Sounds like it was a fun event. My kids would love that play area.
Keely's Nails
You’ve got to admire their commitment in these temperatures and in fancy dress no less!
Zena's Suitcase
It sounds like a great fun event, just a shame it was over so quickly. I love the Donald Trump entry, that made me smile