Swimmers invited to take the plunge in open water swimming festival

SPLASH!tonbury, a day-long charity open water swimming festival, is coming to Pillaton Hall Farm near Penkridge, on Sunday, 28 September, and is challenging teams of swimmers to complete as many laps of the lake as they can in 12 hours – all to raise money for Newlife The Charity for Disabled Children.

Riding the wave of popularity that’s seen an ever-increasing number of outdoor swimming and cold-water immersion enthusiasts, SPLASH!tonbury will be the first open water swimming festival in Staffordshire.

The free to enter event will see groups of swimming friends or colleagues get together to enjoy a festival atmosphere, test their endurance, and raise money for Newlife. While there’s no entry fee, each swimmer is asked to commit to raising £150 per swimmer to help Newlife provide equipment such as specialist beds, buggies, wheelchairs and car seats for children with disabilities.

Teams of between three and six, will swim relay-style around the 250m lake lap from sunrise to sunset and into the dark. And when they’re not swimming, teammates and their supporters, can rest and refuel in the event camp, where they can enjoy some great food and drink from Pillaton. There will also be a few fun surprises and live music from bands and DJs.

There are also prizes up for grabs on the day for the teams that raise the most money, swim the most laps and with the best dressed gazebo.

Ian Covey, the event director, said: “SPLASH!tonbury’s a fabulous opportunity for swimmers to spend a whole day doing something they love, with their friends, in a safe, welcoming and supportive space, to help change the lives of disabled children.

“Although it’s a 12-hour event – swimmers aren’t in it alone. This is a team event, and you can swim as much or as little as you like. There’s no pressure to swim the fastest or swim the furthest – it’s about enjoying it, raising money and making it as much of a challenge as you want it to be.”

The event is aiming to raise £50,000 for Newlife, which also provides Emergency Equipment Loans for children who are medically unstable, loans of sensory toys through it Play Therapy Pod service and has a nurse run helpline to support parents and carers.

Lucy Beardmore, Newlife Events Officer, said: “SPLASH!tonbury is sure to be a really fantastic day, whether you are taking on the challenge to help children with disabilities or supporting from the sidelines. There will be lots of great music to listen to and lots of fun to be had for all ages.

“Those taking part in the open swim will also know that every stroke, every lap they make will be directly supporting children who need life-changing specialist equipment.”

Entries for SPLASH!tonbury are now open. Head to the SPLASH!tonbury website to sign-up at splashtonbury.co.uk