Hundreds brave a chilly Christmas Day dip in Felixstowe

Scores of people donned a swimsuit, or fancy dress, to take a plunge this morning, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The cold and frosty day seemed not to have put many from taking on the challenge, the beach near Mannings Amusements was lined with people eager to start their Christmas day in style.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

One of those braving the icy waters was Felixstowe’s mayor Graham Newman.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“It is such a marvellous event,” he said.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“It’s not just Felixstowe people who get involved, people come from all over Suffolk.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“There’s just such wonderful spirit to this event.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“We have had some fantastic crowds here today,”

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Arthur Sissis, 23, who has come from Adelaide in Australia to celebrate Christmas in the UK, was also taking the plunge.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

He said: “It’s definitely a lot warmer back home - I should be having a barbecue now, it’s 40C there.”

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The event has been a popular tradition in the town for the past 15 years. Those taking part buy a ticket - with all proceeds going to St Elizabeth Hospice.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Sienna Potter from Ipswich said the sea was colder than in looked.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“It is really cold in there,” she said, “It took my breath away.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“My uncle passed away this year and St Elizabeth Hospice were really good with us.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“This is the first year without him so we thought we would do this for him.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“Now it’s time to warm up with some hot chocolate and some warm food.”

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Asked how the water was, Steven Raine from Ipswich said: “Is it too obvious to say cold?

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“This my first time taking part but my friend has been doing it for years. “I just thought I’d better toughen up and get involved.”

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Glen Goldsmith had cycled all the way from Ipswich with his friends to take part.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“We’ve got a lift back afterwards thankfully,” he said.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“I have been doing this now for seven years. It is such a fantastic cause, the hospice have helped a number of people I know.”

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

And just moments after the swimmers got back out of the water, the sun came out - giving them all some well needed rays of warmth.

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

People of all ages took part in the dip Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)