A splashing time: thousands watch bath race at Poole Quay (From Bournemouth Echo)

A splashing time: thousands watch bath race at Poole Quay

9:50am Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News By Jane Reader

THOUSANDS of spectators lined Poole Quay yesterday for the annual dunking known as the bath race.

The crowds took advantage of some rare sunshine to watch around 12 teams wallowing in the water on New Year’s Day.

Car parks in the surrounding area were full as crowds, ten deep in places, waited for the 11.30am start.

Fancy dress included a Mario Kart team, James Bond enthusiasts, clowns and hula “girls”.

Most ended up in the water but it was all for a good cause – the event raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI.

As the teams dragged themselves out of the water several claimed to have won the race but, as usual, no one was really sure.

Aaron Williams, 22, from Broadstone watched in horror as his beautiful pink wig and dress floated off into the distance.

And fellow Mario Kart team member Lawrence Huntley, dressed as Luigi, declared: “My advice would be not to do this – this is the first time I’ve taken part and I’m freezing.”

Spectators certainly seemed to be having the best time with many heading into pubs, cafes and restaurants at the end of the event.

Gina Cook from Bourne-mouth said: “I come to watch this every year – it’s really good fun.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so busy but I expect people are glad to get out and about after all the rain we’ve had.”

And visitor Lorraine Bright from London added: “We were surprised to see so many people in Poole this morning but now we know why they are here – the atmosphere is fantastic.”

See all our pictures from the bath race here