White Stuff Surf Relief raises thousands for charity

United Kingdom | | 30 July 2008

A crowd of more than 4,000 sea and sun worshippers helped raise more than 30,000 for charity at the White Stuff Surf Relief Festival at Watergate Bay in Cornwall.

The event, which combined live music, surf lifesaving and pro surfing competitions, plus a packed beach of family activities was held on Saturday (26 July).

Crowds spread out on the sand to watch over 200 athletes compete in amateur and pro surfing contests, and revellers also enjoyed beach volleyball, classes in hip hop dancing, circus skills, face painting and more.

The Sunset Music sessions kicked off at 4pm featuring artists such as Hold Fire, Ash Grunwald, the Rumble Strips, the Wonderfuls and headliners the Stereo MCs.

A White Stuff spokesman said: "With a combination of alternative rock, blues and roots, ska pop and dance there really was something for everyone amongst the eclectic line-up and the local bands brought their loyal following, while the Stereo MC’s reminded us of their legendary performances."

The festival raised an amazing total of £30,000 for surf charity Surf Relief UK, and its 'Surfable' project, a unique initiative to provide subsidised surf lessons for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. A fund raising dinner and charity auction was also held the night before at restaurant Fifteen Cornwall, raising £14,000 alone.

Dave Manley, Chairman of Surf Relief UK (SRUK) said: “With the help of White Stuff and the staff at Watergate Bay, the event was the biggest the area has ever seen. With some of the best surfing action and an amazing performance from the Stereo MC’s, the festival was a hit with everyone from day ‘til night. We raised an astounding £14,000 during the charity auction at Fifteen restaurant and we’re absolutely delighted with the results. This will provide 1,500 surfing experiences for disabled children across our network of schools over England. We’ll see you next year!”