Bournemouth's beloved Christmas morning tradition, the White Christmas Dip, is set for a change of scenery this year. The annual festive plunge into the sea will shift from its usual spot to the opposite side of Boscombe Pier.
A New Location for a Growing Tradition
The organisers have confirmed that the 2024 event will now take place to the east of Boscombe Pier, specifically in the area between the Neptune and Urban Reef restaurant. This marks a switch from the traditional location to the west of the pier.
Barry Wilson, this year's organiser, explained the reasoning behind the move. "We usually hold the event to the west of Boscombe Pier," he said. "However, because it attracts so many people, we have decided to swap to the area to the east... where no vehicles are permitted, and it's safer for pedestrians." He was keen to stress that the change "won't detract from the event in any way."
A Festive Fundraising Institution
The Dip is far more than just a chilly swim. It is a major fundraising effort for Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity that supports the Macmillan Unit hospice at Christchurch Hospital. Every year on December 25th, hundreds of participants – many clad in elaborate fancy dress – race into the waves at 10.30am to raise vital funds.
Founded in 2008 by local cousins John White Jr and Tommy Baker, the event has become a cornerstone of the local festive calendar. It has only been cancelled once, during the pandemic, and has raised a staggering £365,000 for the hospice charity to date.
"The Dip has become an institution, supported by many local sponsors," said Wilson. "For many local families and groups of friends, it's the official start of the Christmas festivities."
Time is Running Out to Take the Plunge
With the event's growing popularity, those wishing to participate are urged to act quickly. Online booking is currently open but will close at midday on Wednesday, December 24th. Organisers warn that only limited places remain.
"We would urge people to sign up as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment," advised Wilson. Anyone looking to join the hundreds of 'Dippers' can register via the official website at www.whitechristmasdip.co.uk.
While the postal code may be slightly different, the spirit of the event remains unchanged. Bournemouth's brave swimmers will still be upholding their Christmas Day tradition, just a few hundred yards along the sand, all for an incredibly worthy cause.
