Festive fundraisers will once again make a splash for charity this Christmas with the return of the Boxing Day Dip at Seaburn Beach in Sunderland. 

The popular event which has become a Sunderland tradition for many years, is back in full swing this year and registrations are now open to enter for the dip, organised by Sunderland Lions and Red Sky Foundation enabling hundreds of dippers take the plunge.

It is expected huge numbers of festive dippers will brave the cold North Sea to raise thousands of pounds for worthy causes with hundreds of spectators also lining the sea front to cheer them on.  The official event is a new dawn for the traditional famous dip as the Lions have now partnered with Sunderland registered heart charity, Red Sky Foundation with added support from Sunderland City Council and STACK Seaburn.

Jackie Robson, Secretary for Sunderland Lions, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of people to join in the fun of the Sunderland Boxing Day Dip and based on the early sign ups, the numbers of people who usually take part and with the huge amount of spectators, we are definitely set for one of the biggest dips in the country.

"We pride ourselves on the organisation of the dip, the excitement it creates and the amount of money it raises for so many individual charities small and large.  We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Red Sky Foundation, STACK Seaburn and Sunderland City Council as partners which gives us the opportunity to make the event even bigger and better than ever before.”

This year, STACK Seaburn will be our meeting place to welcome dippers before

a parade led by the Mayor of Sunderland Cllr Alison Smith will leave at 11am prompt to make its way across the road and on to the beach.

Councillor Williams the Cabinet Member for Vibrant City said “I am delighted to see the Boxing Day Dip return to Seaburn, and I am sure significant funds will be raised for so many local charities including Red Sky Foundation and Sunderland Lions, when the hardy souls brave the icy North Sea.”

Dippers can register online on the Sunderland Lions and Red Sky Foundation websites and on their social media platforms.

After the dip everyone can warm up with hot drinks and food at STACK where the medals and a free hot chocolate will be given out to every Seaburn dipper taking part.

There will also be fun and games with lots of prizes for the best fancy dress with Red Sky Foundation’s Sergio Petrucci adding: “The weirdest and wackiest fancy dress is more than welcome.”

There’s a £10 registration and dippers can fundraise for their own chosen charity or for Sunderland Lions and Red Sky Foundation to support Sunderland people born with or living with complex heart conditions.

To register for the dip and to download a sponsorship form visit dip.redskyfoundation.com