HARWICH’S RNLI have announced their series of celebratory events this summer to mark their landmark 200th anniversary.

The events are set to take place on the week commencing July 8 and will culminate in a grand festival and concert.

On July 13, from 11am to 5pm, Harwich Quay and Kings Quay Street will host a daytime street fair and fete with activities including stalls, craft sellers, street food vendors, charity stands, face painters, and children entertainers.

While at Harwich Green, from 2pm to the late evening, live music and entertainment will take place in a concert set up “against the backdrop of Harwich’s scenic waterfront.

At 10.30pm there will also be a fireworks display which will be lit from a barge moored off Harwich for all to see.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Life Saving - The Harwich RNLI all-weather lifeboat after a successful callout in 2023 which saved three peopleLife Saving - The Harwich RNLI all-weather lifeboat after a successful callout in 2023 which saved three people (Image: Harwich RNLI)

While on the water, there will be a yacht race organised by the Haven Port Yacht Club which will start at 11am from Half Penny pier.

Peter, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and organiser of the event, said: “We invite stall holders, craft sellers, street food vendors, entertainers, and more to join us in making this event a memorable one”.

“Your participation will contribute to the vibrancy and success of our celebrations”

Those interested in participating should contact Peter via email at rnli200harwich@gmail.com and are asked to provide detail of what they can provide.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Daring - The RNLI Clacton Atlantic 85Daring - The RNLI Clacton Atlantic 85 (Image: RNLI/Mark Walsh)

Meanwhile, a special church service will be held on July 9 at 11.30am the St Nicholas Church at 11:30am.

During the week of celebrations, the Harwich RNLI lifeboat shop and viewing gallery will be open to the public, providing an opportunity to learn more about the RNLI's lifesaving mission and support its ongoing efforts.

Peter added: 'This celebration is our way of expressing gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the past 200 years”.

“We look forward to coming together to celebrate this milestone and to many more years of saving lives at sea.

Harwich’s RNLI lifeboat station was founded in 1829 and since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.