Welcome to the Bluetit Event page!
Fancy joining us for a fun day out? Here you’ll find the details for the upcoming Arctic Flappers Nippy Dippers events!
❄️Llys-y-frân, Pembrokeshire - Saturday 5th April 2025 ❄️
An Arctic Flappers Nippy Dippers event will encourage you to challenge your limits in a supportive, fun environment, and leave you feeling like you can take on the world. It is non-competitive (apart from the Inflatable Relay race) and all about connecting with fellow Bluetits and supporting one another to achieve something incredible in cold water.
Llys-y-frân
At this year’s event at Llys-y-frân, we’ll be running the following swimming events: The Nippy Mile, 800m, 400m, 200m, 50m, and the Team Inflatable Relay race, in that order.
The Nippy Mile and 800m distance will be freestyle, where you can swim any stroke you like, though they must both be completed within a certain time. The 400m, 200m, and 50m will all be split into two categories; Heads up and Challenge. The Heads Up category is more relaxed, where you’ll be keeping your eyes above water. The Challenge style is for those swimmers who’d like to challenge themselves by swimming any style they wish, but in a way that you’re challenging yourself, such as swimming a personal best.
Our 50m swim is for those Bluetits who love to join in and have a dip, and we’re also offering a buy one and get one free ticket for those who’d like to bring a buddy along to dip with them! This will also be our silly hat competition, where a prize will be given to the most stand-out hat worn!
The Team Inflatable Relay Race
For those who like a good team event, you can enter a team into the Inflatable Relay Race. This event is limited to two waves of six teams, with each consisting of two swimmers, and your inflatable!
We’ll explain the rules on the day, but be prepared for you and your teammate to navigate swimming on your steed, so make sure they’re a good all-rounder!
*The spaces in the second wave will be opened once the first wave has been filled.*
How the day at Llys-y-frân will look
When you arrive at the beautiful site, all who are swimming will head towards registration. During your free time between registration and your event, along with the spectators, you can browse the stalls and take in the views.
We ask all participants to register AT LEAST an hour before your estimated swim start time, and begin to get changed 30 minutes before your event is due to start. Once you're changed, you’ll be given your safety briefing, before starting your swim! Once your event is over and you’re all dressed and warm, you can re-join the cheering crowds and take some more time to browse the stalls and visitor centre, before the raffle draw takes place at the end of the day.
Provisional Schedule
10:00 - Event opens
10:00 - 14:00 - Registration is open throughout the day, but you must arrive and complete registration AT LEAST one hour before your event start time.
12:00 - 16:30 - The swim events take place. The swims will take place from longest distance to shortest, in a change from our previous events. These will be followed by the marvellous Inflatable event to finish off.
16:45 - The raffle draw will take place and the event ends shortly afterwards.
For more information about the event, please have a read through our FAQ's below, as well as our Terms and Conditions, found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the event being held?
The 5 April 2025 event’s being held at Llys-y-frân Country Park, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire, SA63 4RR.
Do I have to be a fast swimmer?
No, this is an inclusive, non-competitive event (expect the Team Inflatable Relay Race), and is all about the experience. We won’t be timing you, or announcing who came first.
What swims can I enter?
You can enter any of the events, as long as you’re capable of swimming that distance.
Please note, for the Nippy Mile and 800m swims, we request you ensure you’re capable of swimming that distance comfortably in water temperatures under 10 degrees celsius. You will need to sign a declaration on the day to confirm this. For the Nippy Mile you will also be required to complete a witnessed qualifier swim. Please see the Nippy Mile and 800m ticket pages and Terms and Conditions for more information.
Can I enter more than one swim?
Yes you can swim in more than one distance, for example the Nippy Mile and the Inflatable Race. We’d recommend not to take part in back-to-back events though. Separate tickets will need to be bought for each event you enter.
How much is entry?
Entry to the distance swims is between £20-£50 per entrant. Entry to the Team Inflatable Relay Race is £25 per team. For the 50m we offer a buy-one-get-one-free opportunity, where you can bring a friend to take part in the swim for the price of one £20 ticket. Please see the ticket page for more information on this.
How cold will the water be?
We won’t know until the day, however, our events usually take place in the off season as we are aiming for that cold water experience.
For this event, we anticipate a water temperature of around 10 degrees celsius in early April.
Please only consider taking part in our longer distance swims if you’re comfortable swimming that distance in cold temperatures.
The organisers reserve the right to shorten the distance if the water is too cold according to their safety team.
Do I get a badge?
Yes, would it be a Bluetit event without one!?
As well as a warm glow, a sense of achievement, and some fantastic memories, you’ll take away a tote bag, an event patch, and distance badge!
How old do I have to be to enter?
Entrants must be 18 or over. Under 18s are welcome to come and spectate as long as they are accompanied by an adult at all times.
What time do I need to be there?
The registration opens at 10am, and closes at 2pm. We ask you to register no later than an hour before your estimated start time.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes! Spectators have free entry, and the more the merrier to cheer the swimmers on! But please do car share wherever possible.
For the Nippy Mile and 800m, we ask you to bring a warm up buddy along who can help you dress after exiting the water.
What do I need to bring on the day?
As well as your usual swim kit and things to keep you warm, you will need:
A tow float and a bright hat so you’re visible in the water
Swim Shoes
One inflatable per team (if you’re entering the Inflatable Relay Race). Your steed must be a good all-rounder, think running, mounting, pushing, and paddling!
If you’re entering the Nippy Mile or the 800m, you must bring a warm up buddy to hold your robe and help you dress afterwards.
Is parking available?
Parking is available on site, but as usual, we do suggest car-sharing.
Parking is £3.00 per day at Llys-y-frân.
Accessible parking spaces are available, but limited to a first-come first-serve basis.
What facilities are available onsite?
The Llys-y-frân visitor centre will be open during the event, with a wonderful cafe (where hot and cold food and drink can be purchased), a gift shop, as well as toilet facilities.
There are large modern changing rooms and showers that are available to use (please note that the venue is also open to the public for other activities during the day).
What stalls will be there?
As always, we'll have our stocked-up Bluetits merch stand for you to buy your Bluetit goodies. We'll also be supported by many other businesses (to be confirmed), with a wide range of products for sale.
Can I camp for the weekend?
Llys-y-frân has a beautiful campsite, and can offer limited on-site camping for those who’d like to make a weekend of it. We’re currently checking with Llys-y-frân if the campsite will be opened for the event as it’s out of season. We’ll update this as soon as we know.
