News

All the latest developments from the St Ives in December team. 

Round Table Return Triumphant from their Fundraising Challenge

The St Ives Round Table has completed an incredible 4,000-mile fundraising adventure across Europe, returning home with a Santa-sack full of donations to ensure Santa’s magical arrival by RNLI lifeboat and help make this Christmas extra special for the children of St Ives.

With determination, festive spirit, and a dash of adventure, the team journeyed across the continent, raising vital funds every mile of the way. Thanks to their efforts—and the generous support of the local community and sponsors—this year’s “St Ives in December” celebrations are set to be more magical than ever.

The funds raised will safeguard the much-loved tradition of Santa arriving in St Ives by lifeboat, and will go directly towards bringing joy to local children throughout the festive season.

“We’re so proud of what the team has achieved and grateful to everyone who donated and cheered the guys on,” said Liz Deakin, organiser of St Ives in December. “This epic journey means we can keep our Christmas traditions alive and give St Ives families and children a Christmas to remember!”

Stay tuned for more details on this year’s festive events and how you can get involved.

St Ives Round Table Helps Keep Santa’s Lifeboat Arrival Afloat

Fundraising challenge supports local hospice, air ambulance, and festive tradition
St Ives, Cornwall — 27 th September 2025 — Members of St Ives Round Table are setting
off on a 4,000-mile trek across Europe in fancy dress as part of the Monopoli or Bust
Banger Rally Challenge, raising vital funds for three local causes: Cornwall Air
Ambulance, St Ives RT Community fund and St Ives in December.
The latter charity is responsible for staging one of Cornwall’s most beloved festive traditions
— Father Christmas arriving in St Ives by RNLI lifeboat.

Safeguarding a Christmas Tradition
The annual event, which sees Santa step ashore to greet hundreds of families, has become
a highlight of the Cornish festive calendar. This year’s arrival is confirmed for Friday 5 th
December, perfectly timed with the high tide and the start of the weekend.
Staging the event, however, comes with significant costs, from traffic management to
essential safety measures. At one point, 2024 looked set to be the final year. Thanks to a
revitalised volunteer team, the backing of the Town Council and St Ives BID, and support
from community fundraisers such as St Ives Round Table, the future of the tradition is now
secure.
Quote — from St Ives in December Organiser, Liz Deakin: “The Round Table’s fundraising
has been a lifeline. Without their support, this magical tradition was at real risk of
disappearing.”

A Challenge with Purpose
Quote – from St Ives Round Table past chairman, member and 2025 Banger Rally entrant
Nick Eastwood: “We’re really excited to join in with this fundraising event and to add St Ives’
Santa visit to our worthy causes. We love what Liz has put together all off her own back and
were very happy to get involved and help her and her team out with their good work. We are
determined to cover the short fall and anything over that will go towards Cornwall Air
Ambulance and our own Charity fund reserved for any local worthy cause. St Ives RT saves
Xmas, lets go!”

St Ives in December Receives Major Boost from Town Council

The organisers of “St Ives in December” are absolutely delighted to announce that, for the first time in 20 years, St Ives Town Council has come on board with a significant funding contribution to support this year’s festive events.
The St Ives in December team, a dedicated group of local volunteers, have been working hard to bring Christmas magic to the town every year. This generous support from the Town Council marks a major milestone and will make a real difference to the scale and sparkle of this year’s festivities.

“We’re over the moon to have the Town Council’s backing,” said Liz Deakin, organiser of St Ives in December. “Their contribution has given us a much-needed boost and has made it possible to stage a great celebration when we thought that the event would fold. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to join in the fun!”

The highlight of the festivities, Santa’s arrival by RNLI lifeboat, will once again delight families and visitors, along with a packed programme of community events and seasonal surprises.

St Ives in December is all about bringing people together and spreading festive cheer throughout the town. Thanks to the Town Council’s support, this year’s event promises to be extra special.

Santa Arrives by Lifeboat: St Ives in December Brings Festive Magic to Cornwall!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Santa Arrives by Lifeboat: St Ives in December Brings Festive Magic to Cornwall!
St Ives, Cornwall – This December, the charming seaside town of St Ives will once again come alive with festive cheer as “St Ives in December” returns, promising a magical lineup of Christmas events for the whole community. Organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, this year’s highlight is the much-loved arrival of Santa Claus—making his grand entrance by RNLI lifeboat!
Families, locals, and visitors are invited to join the celebrations, which will light up the town with music, laughter, and plenty of Christmas spirit. From twinkling lights and carol singing to festive markets and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
“We’re so excited to bring the community together and spread some holiday joy,” said the organisers. “St Ives in December is all about creating memories, supporting local causes, and making sure everyone feels welcome.”
Event Highlights:
Santa’s arrival by lifeboat—don’t miss the big splash!
Festive markets featuring local crafts and treats
Carol singing and live performances
Family activities and surprises around every corner
The organisers are also seeking volunteers and local sponsors to help make the festivities even more special. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out via our Facebook page or website.
Let’s make this December one to remember—see you on the harbour!
For more information, interviews, or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out via our contact form.