FAQs for Christmas Day Dip 2023
Where does the event take place?
The event takes place in Felixstowe, opposite Mannings Amusements on the seafront. Address is Sea Road, IP11 2DN.
Where can I park my car?
There is plenty of free parking spaces along the seafront at Felixstowe. The dip takes place opposite Mannings Amusements.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Registration takes place from 8.30am opposite Mannings Amusements on the seafront (Sea Road, IP11 2DN). Registration will close at 9.45am. The dip takes place at 10am.
Can I register on the day?
Yes, you can register on the day, however we recommend you sign up online prior to the event as it can get very busy on the morning. Registration will close promptly at 9.45am.
How much does it cost to take part?
The ticket price covers the administration fee, plus one medal.
- Early Bird Ticket - £10.00 per person until 23:59 on 31 October
- Standard Ticket - £15.00 per person until 12:00 on 21 December
- On the Day Ticket – £20.00 per person will be available to purchase from 8.30am
How old do I need to be?
Entrants must be 10 years of age or over to take part. Any dippers between the age of 10 and 18 must take part alongside a parent or guardian who will accompany them throughout the event. These tickets must be purchased together so we can identify the responsible adult.
Can my family and friends come along to watch?
Yes, we welcome spectators to come down and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
What time does the dip take place?
The horn will sound at 10.00am and the dippers will run into the North Sea!
Will it be safe?
Your safety is most important to us. St Elizabeth Hospice is working in conjunction with First Aid cover as well as the Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service and the Eastern Community Assistance Team. Together, we ensure all aspects of the event are made safe.
Due to the nature of the event, participants must be 10 years of age and over to take part. Those aged between 10 and 18 years old must take part alongside a paying adult who will be responsible for them and accompany them throughout the dip.
Will there be toilets?
Yes, the public toilets will be available to use on Felixstowe seafront.
Will there be changing facilities?
Yes, we will have two gazebos next to registration.
What do I need to wear?
No special clothes are required for the dip. Wetsuits are allowed and fancy dress is also a popular and welcomed choice. We recommend that you bring warm dry clothes to change into after. We will have two gazebos for participants to change into if needed.
Will there be any refreshments?
Hot drinks and bacon rolls will be available to purchase on the promenade. However, please feel free to bring your own flasks and food to the event if you wish.
Do I have to raise a certain amount of money?
There is no minimum sponsorship required, but we kindly ask that you try and raise as much money as possible to help St Elizabeth Hospice. Every penny you raise will go towards helping improve the lives of those with a progressive illness in the local community.
Is there an online fundraising platform for me to use?
Yes, upon signing up to the event you will have an Enthuse fundraising page created. You can use this page to collect sponsorship from family and friends. For more info on Enthuse please visit https://enthuse.com/
What else can I do to raise money?
Many employers will match fund the amount their employees fundraise. Why not speak with your employer and ask them if they will do this? It is quick and simple and won’t cost you a thing. Usually all they require is a letter from us confirming what you have raised and we will happily provide this for you.
Where shall I send my sponsorship?
Please do not bring sponsor money to the event. You can:
- Visit our website and use the donate button. Select “pay money in” enter the amount raised. Use the tick box for “is this sponsorship for an event?” and enter Christmas Day Dip 2023.
- Send a cheque to Fundraising, St Elizabeth Hospice, 565 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP3 8LX. Please make cheques payable to St Elizabeth Hospice and write your name and Christmas Day Dip 2023 on the reverse of the cheque.
- Bring the money in person to the hospice in an envelope marked for the Fundraising Team’s attention.
Can I Gift Aid my donation?
You can ask each person that sponsors you to Gift Aid their donation by ticking the Gift Aid box on your sponsor form. If the person sponsoring you is a UK tax payer or pays Capital Gains Tax, they can make their donation worth even more. For every £1 they give to us, we get an extra 25p. Please ensure everyone completes their name and address, including post code in full to be eligible.
Is there any other way I can support the event/hospice?
Please spread the word amongst your colleagues, family, friends and neighbours and get them signed up too!
We also need volunteer support to help the event run smoothly; to get involved, contact the Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 01473 723600.