Hundreds of people turned out for Hope Cove Weekend, which was bathed in sunshine from Friday night to Monday.
With live music starting on Friday night and going on all weekend, there was also morning beach yoga, the Jogger’s Race, the Kayak Race, the Paddleboard Race, a pasty-eating competition, a fancy dress competition, a treasure hunt, Tug of War, sandcastle competitions, rockpool competitions, the Land and Sea Race, fishing competition and much more to keep visitors entertained day and night.
Ken Edwards, organiser, said: “Wow what an event! Amazing warm weather, flat calm sea, as well as the local community people travelled from all over the country to be here. Boats on the water children playing on the beach building sand castles races and competitions.
“Picnics, hog roast, hot dogs, burger stalls and little shops. The Hope & Anchor and The Cove Cafe excelled in providing a variety of delicious beverages and food, it was paradise.
“Hope Cove rocked with music and fun from dawn to dusk and beyond, then after dark the fireworks amazing even the moon appeared to provide the perfect backdrop.
“There should be a mention for the Heroes of the weekend - Sean Hassall who unblocked the public loos and the little man who cleared the rubbish all day long, great job, thank you.
“The committee would like to thank all the helpers and volunteers who filled all the voids and made it a Great Hope Cove Weekend.
Chris Roberts, manager of the Hope and Anchor Inn, Hope Cove, said: “It was another great weekend, and the weather gods certainly smiled on us.
“The standout moments this weekend came from the re-invigorated beach events that were organised by Hazel Hassall and her team of volunteers - amazing work.
“The list of people that need thanking is extensive, but special notice needs to be given to Ron, who works tirelessly before and after the event. The team of volunteers that put up the bunting, lights and signs. Ken - who worked incredibly hard to get all the Health and Safety bits in place. Russell and Christine and family that manned the caravan all weekend. Annalese for the programme.
“This weekend would not be possible without the selfless dedication of all these people, and I hope that we will have raised a significant sum for our charities.”
You can follow Hope Cove Weekend on Facebook, and find out what is planned for next year’s event, keep August Bank Holiday weekend 2018 free!
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Results
Raft Race
Overall Winner – St Margaret’s Mariners; Men’s Winners – St Margaret’s Men; Ladies Winners – Ocean Reach Ladies; Children’s Winner - Party Raft and Hope Barton Barns; Mixed Winner – The Falcon;
Best Dressed – Lifeboat Crew; Winner of raft that hasn’t met the criteria – Hope Barton Men
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Tug of War
Men’s Winner – Karrageen Krushers; Ladies Winner – Feisty Flamingos; Children’s Winner – Hope Cove Heroes
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Children’s Sandcastle Competition
Best Traditional Castle - the Iris Hassall Cup: 1st– Kate and Elisabeth Holland; 2nd – Ben, Sarah Louise and Hannah Dixon , Emily and Layla Wright; 3rd – Izzy and Robin Hawling
Most Original
1st - Isla Murray and Millie Richards; 2nd – Tilly and William Dawson, Alice Mather, Martha and Jem;
3rd – Scarlett Green, Eleri Jones and Sienna Middleston
Family Sandcastle
1st – Castle with Flags; 2nd – The Umbellas; 3rd – Poppies
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Crazy Sports
Adult Winners – Us and Them; Children’s Winner – All Stars and Famous 4
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Fancy Dress
Best Group
1st - The Zoo; 2nd – Rollercoaster; 3rd – Wizard of Oz
Nosiest Group
Ocean Samba
Best Child
1st - Elsa; 2nd – Little Mermaid
Best Pair of Children
1st - Dorothy and the Good Witch; 2nd – Harry Potter and the Mandrake
Most Original
1st – Dog; 2nd – Big Ben; 3rd – Pasty
Dog Fancy Dress
Best Group of Dogs – Game of Thrones; Best Dog - Harry Potter / Polbark; Best Owner and Dog – Lion Witch and the Wardrobe
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Treasure Hunt
1st - Sam Kemp and Ella Hassall; 2nd - Di Edwards; 3rd - Julia Williams
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Pasty-eating Competition
Phil Crosby
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Land and Sea Race
Overall Winner: Noah and Peter Lowe
15 and Under: Finn and Leila Byass
16 and Over: Richard Clarkson and Flynn Watson
Mixed: Scarlett and Dick Green