Welcome to the Bluetit Event page!
Each year we organise a couple of Bluetit Fundraising Swim Events. These events are designed to give everyone a chance to enter a swim event in a non-competitive, friendly Bluetit environment whilst also raising funds to keep our Bluetit community going.
❄️Llys-y-frân, Pembrokeshire - Saturday 18th April 2026 ❄️
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 Titty Toppers Relay Race) and all about connecting with fellow Bluetits and supporting one another to achieve something incredible in cold water.
Llys-y-frân
This will be our 3rd year hosting an event and the beautiful Llys-y-frân reservoir and country park. At this year’s event, we’ll be running the following swimming events: The Nippy Mile, 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, and the Titty Toppers Relay Race, in that order. We will also be running a Celebration Splash at the end of the day, to give attendees a chance to dip in the lovely waters of the reservoir, an experience that isn't usually open to visitors.
The Nippy Mile and 800m distance will be freestyle, where you can swim any style you like, though they must be completed within a certain time (please see the ticket information before booking). These distances are for the more experienced swimmers.
The 400m, 200m, and 100m is for those Bluetits who want to push themselves a little bit further than they normally would, but are confident in their ability to complete the distance in the expected temperature, in a fun, safe, and encouraging atmosphere!
The Titty Toppers Relay Race
For those who like a good team event, you can enter a team into the Titty Toppers Relay Race. In this, teams of 4 will be swimming 100m each (50m out and 50m back), where instead of passing a baton to your teammate, you'll all complete the relay wearing the same hat of your choosing! This event is for the fun-loving groups out there, where we encourage colour, flamboyancy, and even face paint if you like!
For those considering taking part in The Titty Toppers event, all we ask is to please make sure your hats are buoyant (we wouldn’t want it sinking if it comes off your head!), doesn’t have any glitter or anything that will contaminate the water, so is as environmentally friendly as possible. Other than that, we look forward to seeing what you bring!
Celebration Splash
You can sign up for this end-of-the-day dipping opportunity either in advance, or on the day, though capacity will be limited. This is a great way to join in with the fun! But please note you won't get a Bluetit tote bag, patch or badge for this dip.
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 45 minutes before your estimated swim start time, to give yourself time to change and get to the starting point a short walk away. For the Nippy Mile participants, we ask you to be ready for when registration opens at 10am, so we can give you priority to give you time to get ready and make your way to the water's edge.
Once you're ready for your event, you’ll be given your safety briefing down by the water's edge, before starting your swim! When 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 - 15:00 - Registration is open throughout the day, but you must arrive and complete registration AT LEAST 45 minutes before your event start time.
*For the Titty Toppers Teams - please visit the registration desk with your whole team so we can register you together*
11:00 - 15:30 - The swim events take place. The swims will take place from longest distance to shortest, with the relay race and celebration splash at the end.
16:00 - 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.
*A finalised schedule and instructions about the day will be sent to all ticket holders via email a couple of days before the event.*
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the event being held?
The 18 April 2026 event’s being held at Llys-y-frân Country Park, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire, SA63 4RR.
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 that could be 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 sign up on the day?
All our tickets are sold online in advance of the day, but if there's spaces left you are able to sign up and pay on the day.
As the Nippy Mile requires all participants to fill out a form to confirm they've completed a qualifier swim before the day, we're not able to take on-the-day sign ups for this distance.
Do I have to be a fast swimmer?
For the 400m distances down, no we're not expecting you to be a fast swimmer. This is an inclusive event, non-competitive (expect the Titty Toppers Relay Race), and is all about the experience. We won’t be timing you, or announcing who came first.
But for the Nippy Mile and 800m event, there will be a cut off times for the safety of participants. It should be plenty of time to swim the distance in your chosen stroke, but we do ask any participants signing up for these event to be confident in being able to swim the distance in the expected water temperature.
Can I enter more than one swim?
Yes you can swim in more than one distance, for example the Nippy Mile and the Titty Toppers Relay 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 Titty Toppers Relay Race is £50 per team. For the Celebration Splash at the end of the day, the price is £5, but you won't receive the Bluetit tote bag, event patch or distance badge.
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 mid 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, if you've entered a distance swim or the relay race you’ll take away a Bluetit 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 all participants must register at least 45 minutes before their event start time.
We'll confirm official start times a few days before the event, though as times can be liable to change, we recommend making sure you're flexible on the day of the event to ensure your event isn't missed in case of any on-the-day changes.
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
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.
For more details about their campsite, please visit their website here.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, the venue is completely dog friendly!
