NEW YEAR’S DAY CHARITY SWIM SEEKS TO SMASH RECORD

As has become traditional in Xàbia for more than three decades, several dozen brave souls, mostly wearing fancy dress, will plunge into the waters of the Mediterranean on New Year’s Day to raise money for charity.

Organised by The Lancashire Bruja bar in the Arenal, the midday charity dip raises money for the a number of charities every year. On the first day of 2023, it raised more than 3,450 euros, an amazing record amount, and this year the organisers Steve and Chrissy hope to smash that total as they aim to raise as much money as possible for Cruz Roja de Xàbia and the Autism School of Jávea.

As always, the swim will be taking place at 1.00pm sharp on the Playa del Arenal on Monday 1st January, although many sponsored swimmers tend to meet up at The Lancashire Bruja for a quick drink for Dutch courage before walking down to gather at the Christmas tree on the beach promenade at around 12 noon.

Chrissy and her team of helper elves will be walking up and down the beach to collect any loose change that spectators may have floating in their pockets whilst those who can’t make it to the event on the day or didn’t manage to find someone to hand over their donations amongst the many hundreds who gather to watch the dip, there is a charity jar in The Lancashire Bruja into which any unwanted coins can be dropped.

On their Facebook page, Steve and Chrissy expressed their thanks to everyone who will be participating: “[We] hope to see you all down the beach for the big day either jumping in the sea or spectating the mad people. Let’s try and smash last year’s collection!”