The Barbican waterfront in Plymouth is set to host the annual Tugboats & Dolphins CIC Summer Sports Fest this Saturday (02-08-25), an all-day event combining athletic challenges with family entertainment.
Organised by local non-profit Tugboats & Dolphins CIC, the festival aims to raise funds for Age UK.
The group has a history of using physical feats for charitable purposes, with past campaigns including a 950-mile bike ride and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge for local causes.
From their website Tugboats & Dolphins Describe themselves:
“Our mission is to empower the community to join us in our quest for positive change. Through our fundraising events, we aim to raise awareness about important causes and support those in need.
Our team is committed to creating a community of passionate individuals who believe in the transformative power of charity runs and challenging physical activities”
The festival’s main event is the Summer Swim Challenge, a 100-mile open-water team swim. Throughout the day, teams of swimmers will take turns conquering the distance in the Cattewater to support Age UK. This demanding challenge highlights the ethos of Tugboats & Dolphins CIC, an organisation built on the belief that physical activity can bring people together and make a significant difference to those in need.
See the previous Tugboats & Dolphins event here:
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Beyond the water, the event will feature the Southwest Strongman Competition, showcasing some of the region’s most powerful athletes. Spectators can watch as competitors test their strength in a series of gruelling events, promising a display of incredible power and determination.
For those not focused on the sports, a vibrant programme of entertainment will run from morning until night. Live music and DJs will perform throughout the day, creating a lively atmosphere. A wide selection of local food and drink stalls will also be on offer, providing a taste of Plymouth’s culinary scene. Families are well catered for with a full programme of games, inflatables, and other activities designed to keep children entertained.
Jordan Kelevra, manager at Tugboats & Dolphins, commented on the event:
“We created this event to prove that physical challenge can bring people together and make a real difference. Whether you’re swimming, spectating, or just there for the music and food, you’re helping support older people across Devon and Cornwall through Age UK.”
The Summer Sports Fest is free to attend and runs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday, August 2nd, at Cattewater, Barbican, PL1 2LR. For more information, including how to support the swimmers, you can visit the Tugboats & Dolphins website.
Event at a Glance:
- Date: Saturday, August 2nd
- Time: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Location: Cattewater, Barbican, Plymouth
- Cost: Free to attend
- Highlight: 100-mile team swim and Southwest Strongman Competition
- Charity: Age UK
- Organiser: Tugboats & Dolphins CIC
Images courtesy of Matilda Björklund
