The RNLI Christchurch and Bournemouth Fundraising Branch is hosting an evening of comedy in aid of local lifeguards.
Tickets are now on sale for the ‘Laughter to Save Lives’ event, which takes place on Thursday 18 September at the Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth, with every penny raised going to fund training for lifeguards serving beaches from Highcliffe to Swanage.
Organised by a dedicated team of RNLI volunteers and produced by Coastal Comedy – the region’s leading comedy event provider – the show will feature a top-class line-up of comedians and a prize-filled raffle.
Headlining the evening is TV comedian Paul McCaffrey, joined by James Ellis, magician-comedian Wayne the Weird, and host Adrienne Coles, founder of Coastal Comedy. The show starts at 7pm in the hotel’s Oceana Suite – a 100-seat venue offering an intimate setting for an unforgettable night of comedy.
David Richmond-Coggan, RNLI Fundraising Volunteer Branch Chairman, said:
“This event is about more than just a great night out – it’s about keeping our beaches safe. Every penny raised goes directly into lifeguard training, so by joining us you’re helping ensure our team has the skills and knowledge to save lives.
“With Coastal Comedy’s expertise, we know the line-up will be fantastic, and the laughter will be matched only by the impact we can make for our lifeguards. It’s going to be a fun night with fantastic prizes!”
Business from across Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch – including True Savings, Jameson Alexander, Professional IT Services, The Hiring Hive, Boyland Windows, RMS Electrical South Coast Ltd, and Reign Jeweller and Watches – are generously covering all event costs, ensuring 100% of ticket sales go directly to the RNLI cause.
The South West coastline attracts huge numbers of visitors every summer. In 2024, RNLI lifeguards dealt with 6,892 incidents, offered assistance to 9,178 people and saved 43 lives. Out at sea, lifeboat volunteers launched 1,475 times, rescuing 44 people and giving more than 10,000 hours of their time on the water. This August, 10 rescues took place in one afternoon alone.
David Richmond-Coggan and his team have been raising money specifically to support lifeguards patrolling beaches from Highcliffe to Swanage, ensuring they have the skills, equipment, and confidence to keep beachgoers safe all season long.
Added David:
“I’ve been volunteering with the RNLI for 16 years, and it’s always a privilege to find new ways to support the lifesaving work of our crews and lifeguards. This comedy night is one of the most exciting events we’ve put together, and I’m delighted to be working with such talented performers and a brilliant team of volunteers.
“It’s going to be a fantastic evening and knowing that every laugh helps keep our beaches safe makes it all the more special.”
Founded in 2015, Coastal Comedy is the South West’s leading independent producer of stand-up comedy, staging regular sell-out shows in Bournemouth, Poole, and Ringwood. Known for its intimate venues and friendly atmosphere, Coastal Comedy offers audiences the rare chance to see top TV names up close.
The one-night-only, intimate event will take place on 18th September at the Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth, with doors opening at 7pm. Tickets are currently on sale here.
Press release and image – The Inspiration Agency