RNLI Hoylake and West Kirby Lifeboat show’s record crowds stunned as daredevil Arrows stay sharp

Sep 1 2009 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Show’s record crowds stunned as daredevil Arrows stay sharp

MORE than 30,000 people watched the world-famous Red Arrows perform an awe-inspiring display over a packed Wirral coastline yesterday.

The RAF daredevils were the star attraction at the RNLI Hoylake and West Kirby Lifeboat open day, rounding off the event in the late afternoon.

Now in its 35th year, the fundraiser attracted record crowds to the coastline between Meols and Red Rocks, in New Brighton.

Organiser Carole Jackson said she was delighted with the turn-out and visitors’ continued generosity, despite the economic climate.

She added: “It was exciting waiting for the Red Arrows because they had a camera on board showing us the scale of the crowds.

“The event just seems to get bigger and bigger each year and after the heavy rain on Saturday, it was great to be basking in the sunshine.”

Liverpool comedian Stan Boardman officially opened the free day at noon, welcoming visitors into Hoylake’s new lifeboat station.

Wirral Pipe Band and a jazz band entertained the crowds as they browsed the selection of charity stalls.

New attractions for 2009 had children queuing in their droves, including two new simulators, one offering the chance to pilot a Red Arrow, the other a Formula 1 racing car.

There were also demonstrations from kite-flyers from Wirral International Kite Festival.

Ms Jackson said: “The only disappointment was the RAF helicopter was fog-bound so could not entertain us with its search and rescue display.

“But there was still plenty for everyone to do and it was a pleasure showing off the new lifeboat station, which most visitors would not have seen before.”

As the main fundraising event for the RNLI Hoylake and West Kirby lifeboat station, the day usually brings in more than £20,000. This year, organisers were predicting a bumper £25,000-£30,000 as they counted up the money last night.