Volcano Night 2024

DETAILS

Charity Bonfire Competition, Alnmouth Beach.

Volcano Night is an annual charity bonfire competition on Alnmouth beach. Teams of up to 10 adults and children bring shovels, wood and matches and are allocated a spot on the beach. When the whistle blows they have 10-15 minutes to build a large sandcastle. The next 10-15 minutes are to build and light a bonfire on top of the sand castle. Only paper, wood and eco firelighters are allowed. Everyone then retires, usually with a picnic, to watch the bonfires. Boats may sail past, depending on the weather. The RNLI and HMCG may attend. The last fire to be put out by the incoming tide is the winner of a prize.

Volcano Night 2024 is on Saturday 21st September with check-in at the Beach Car Park from 15:00 to 15:30 hrs. Event start will be approximately 16:00. Entry is £25 + booking fee per team with pre-booking required. Proceeds go to local lifeboats and sea rescue charities.

Volunteers are also welcome for beach cleaning at 10:00 the next day.

TEAM HINTS & TIPS

• Prepare for weather & paddling (warm and waterproof clothes, appropriate shoes, towels).
• Bring a picnic and drinks. In the village are pubs, restaurants and cafes plus the Village Store (convenience store for general supplies, firewood, picnics, kids’ buckets and spades, etc.) and Scotts (deli-cafe for coffees, wine and fine food).
• Parking is in the adjacent Beach car park. Public toilets are just across the golf course.

THE RULES

1. The sea and lighting a bonfire both involve risk. By taking part in the event you agree that:

◦ you are aware of the risk and accept responsibility for exposing your team to it

◦ you are responsible for the safety and behaviour of your team.

◦ you will comply with the instructions of the organisers at all times.

◦ you accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss caused by your actions.

◦ you will not participate whilst impaired by alcohol, drugs or otherwise unfit.

2. Teams of up to 10 adults. Two children under 16 = one adult.

3. At the gazebo, show booking confirmation and get your peg number to mark where to build your sandcastle.

4. At your pitch remove the peg, return it to a Marshal and wait for the sound signal.

5. When the signal blows, each team has 10-15 minutes to build a sandcastle to seaward of the peg. Build ONLY of sand. NO STONES, WOOD OR ANY TYPE OF SUPPORT INSIDE YOUR CASTLE.

6. When the signal blows a second time, building MUST STOP. Teams then set and light their ‘Volcano’ fire on the top of their sandcastle. Use only PAPER, WOOD and ECO FIRELIGHTERS. NO FIREWORKS OR OTHER FUELS ALLOWED.

7. When the signal blows a third time, stop all work on the volcano and retire up the beach as directed by Marshals.

8. Do not sabotage other teams' castle or fires.

9. The last fire burning is the winner and gets the prize. The Judges' decision is final.

10. PLEASE put spare wood and burnt BBQ charcoal on the Club’s Disposal Bonfire. Take all your litter home and keep the beach tidy.

Host or Publisher River Aln Boat Club