Nearly £7k raised at Fishguard RNLI Open Day 2026

Key Points

• Fishguard RNLIs annual Open Day on Sunday 9 August 2026 raised six thousand nine hundred sixty-five pounds and fifty-seven pence excluding costs.
• Than one thousand three hundred ninety people walked the North Breakwater during the event with permission from StenaLine.
• Dai Rogers, RNLI volunteer fundraiser and lead organiser described the day as exceptional. Thanked the community, volunteers, StenaLine and local vendors.
• The afternoon featured family activities, a barbecue, gelato, homemade cakes, live music and guided tours of the lifeboats.
• Emergency services including Dyfed-Powys Police, Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and HM Coastguard displayed vehicles and equipment.
• Cardigan RNLI brought its Atlantic 85 lifeboat Albatross; volunteers from St Davids and Cardigan helped run the event.
• The event began with a run club visit from Cove Corner with 61 runners stopping at the station for refreshments.
• Sea Trust volunteers were, on hand to discuss life after a dolphin sighting during the day.

Wales (Wales Times) August 15, 2026 — Fishguard’s RNLI Open Day has raised nearly £7,000 in support of the charity’s vital lifesaving work, with organisers confirming a total of £6,965.57 excluding costs. The event, which took place on Sunday, 9 August, included a breakwater walk and drew large crowds of supporters and tourists, making it the station’s biggest event of the year.

As reported by the Western Telegraph, Dai Rogers, RNLI volunteer fundraiser and lead organiser, said:

“It turned out to be an exceptional day.”

He added:

“It was really amazing to see so many of our local supporters and those from further afield coming to support our event.”

Rogers also noted the dual purpose of the fundraiser:

“Whilst we are raising funds for a lifesaving cause, it is also really special to see families enjoying a great afternoon out, and that we can provide everything to achieve that.”

How much money did the Fishguard RNLI Open Day raise?

The event raised a total of £6,965.57, excluding costs, according to organisers. This figure has been widely reported across local and national outlets covering the story, including the Western Telegraph and Yahoo News UK.

Mr Rogers said the day would not have been possible without the support of the wider community. “This event simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local community, people visiting the area, our volunteer fundraisers, volunteer lifeboat crew, StenaLine and local vendors,” he said.

What activities and attractions were on offer?

The day began with support from Cove Corner in Fishguard, whose Sunday morning running club saw 61 runners take a route through the port, along the breakwater, and into the RNLI station for homemade refreshments before returning to the café. From 2pm, the station opened its doors to the public, offering an afternoon of family-friendly games, a barbecue, gelato, homemade cakes, and guided tours of the lifeboats.

Visitors had the chance to speak with crew members about volunteering and the work of the RNLI. Live entertainment included performances from Barnhowlers, Fishguard Folk, the Fishguard and Goodwick Rugby Club Male Voice Choir, and Pembrokeshire Pop Voices.

One of the main attractions was the North Breakwater walk, made possible with permission from StenaLine, which welcomed 1,390 visitors. Attendees were also treated to a dolphin sighting, with Sea Trust volunteers on hand to answer questions about marine life.

Which emergency services and RNLI stations took part?

Emergency services including Dyfed-Powys Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, and HM Coastguard also took part, showcasing their vehicles and equipment to the public. Cardigan’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Albatross turned up in support of the open day, adding another lifesaving asset to the displays.

Mr Rogers acknowledged the contribution of neighbouring stations: “As with previous years volunteer numbers on the day were bolstered by volunteers from our flank stations St Davids and Cardigan who helped flip burgers, as well as Cardigan crew who brought their Atlantic 85 lifeboat to display another great lifesaving asset, and for that we would also like to thank them.”

Why was the North Breakwater walk significant?

The North Breakwater walk allowed more than 1,390 people to access an area not routinely open to the public, with StenaLine granting permission for the event. The walk became a central draw for the day, contributing to the high footfall and fundraising total.

A big thank you goes out to StenaLine for giving their permission for the breakwater access, as noted in RNLI coverage of the event. The walk offered views of the harbour and lifeboat station, and complemented the station tours and demonstrations taking place throughout the afternoon.

What did organisers say about community support?

Dai Rogers emphasised the role of local residents, visitors and partner organisations in making the event a success. He said:

“This event simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local community, people visiting the area, our volunteer fundraisers, volunteer lifeboat crew, StenaLine and local vendors.”

The Western Telegraph reported that Rogers highlighted the collaborative nature of the day, with volunteers from St Davids and Cardigan assisting with catering and operations. The presence of multiple emergency services and the participation of local musicians and vendors further underlined the community-wide effort behind the fundraiser.

Background: How Fishguard RNLI Open Day developed

The Fishguard RNLI Open Day is an annual event designed to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution while engaging the public with the work of volunteer lifeboat crews. In previous years, the event has combined station tours, lifeboat displays, family activities and fundraising stalls to attract both locals and tourists.

The inclusion of the North Breakwater walk, facilitated through cooperation with StenaLine, has become a signature feature in recent editions, drawing large numbers of visitors and boosting donations. The event also serves as a recruitment and awareness tool, allowing members of the public to learn about volunteering, water safety and the RNLI’s operational role along the Pembrokeshire coast.

Prediction: How this development may affect RNLI supporters and the local community

The strong turnout and fundraising result at Fishguard RNLI’s 2026 Open Day is likely to reinforce community engagement with the charity and encourage repeat attendance in future years. For RNLI supporters, the demonstrated public appetite for such events may lead to expanded programming, more frequent open days or additional fundraising initiatives tied to the lifeboat station.

For the local community, the event’s success could strengthen partnerships between the RNLI, emergency services and local businesses, creating a template for collaborative public events that combine safety awareness with family entertainment. The high level of participation particularly the 1,390 breakwater walkers suggests that similar access-based attractions could be developed in future, potentially increasing both visibility and income for the station’s lifesaving work.