Christmas Day Harbour Swim Fully Sold Out

The Weymouth & Portland Lions Club has confirmed that the Christmas Day Harbour Swim is now fully sold out, with all 500 places taken ahead of the festive event on 25 December.

The annual swim will take place in Weymouth Harbour, with the first swimmers entering the water from 11:00 am. Spectators are encouraged to arrive from 10:30 am to enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on participants as they complete the approximately 70-metre swim across the harbour.

First held in 1948, the Christmas Day Harbour Swim began as a friendly bet between pub landlord Dill Laker and taxi driver Reggie Bugler following Christmas Eve celebrations. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the UK’s most well-known festive swims, drawing hundreds of swimmers and thousands of spectators each year.

While no further swim places are available and there will be no ticket sales on the day, members of the public are encouraged to support the event through donations and by sponsoring swimmers. Funds raised play a vital role in helping the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club support local charities and community projects.

Donations can be made online at
https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QU9U6C7N
Collection buckets will also be available around the harbour on the morning of the swim.

Lion Ryan Hope – MJF, Treasurer and Activities Chairman of the Weymouth & Portland Lions Club, said:
“Reaching full capacity with 500 swimmers once again shows how important this event is to the local community. From its beginnings in 1948 to the scale it has reached today, the Christmas Day Harbour Swim continues to bring people together while raising vital funds for good causes. We are grateful to everyone taking part and to those who come along to support and donate.”

Members of the public are warmly invited to attend, support the swimmers, and enjoy the festive atmosphere around Weymouth Harbour on Christmas morning.