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-Fran, Pembrokeshire - Saturday 20th April 2024 ❄️
❄️ Lake 32, Cotswolds - November - Date TBC ❄️
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 relay race) and all about connecting with fellow Bluetits and supporting one another to achieve something incredible in cold water.
Llys-y-Fran
At this year’s event at Llys-y-Fran, we’ll be running the following swimming events: 800m, 400m, 200m, 100m, 50m, team relay race, and the solo inflatable swim, in that order.
The 800m distance will be freestyle, where you can swim any stroke you like. The 400m, 200m, 100m, and 50m will all be split into two categories; Heads up and Challenge. The Heads Up category is a more relaxed event, 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.
The Relay Race
For those who like a good team event, you can enter a team into the relay race. This event is limited to two heats of six teams. Each team will need to consist of four swimmers, but if you’ve only got three in your team on the day, you’ll still be able to take part if one swimmer is happy to swim twice (in back-to-back legs). The event is classed as competitive as our Bluetit 1 Channel Relay Swim Team will swim first, and you’ll be able to race against their time.
If you’re unable to find a minimum of three people for your team in advance of the day, please feel free to post in The Bluetits Global Flock facebook page to advertise your space. If you’re unable to find a full team on the day, we won’t be able to refund you the ticket price.
*The spaces in the second heat will be opened once the first heat has been filled.*
The Solo Inflatable Swim
To finish the day off, we’ll have the inflatable swim! In this non-competitive event, you’ll have to bring along your own inflatable and swim the 50m distance on your steed. This one’s guaranteed to be good fun and is a great way to finish off the day!
How the Day at Llys-y-Fran will Look
When you arrive at the beautiful site, all who are swimming will head towards registration during their allotted time depending on your chosen distance. During your free time between registration and your event, along with the spectators, you can browse the stalls and take in the views. When it’s time to swim, an announcement will be made for you to head to the changing rooms, where you’ll also receive a safety briefing. You’ll then be lead down to the waterside to cheering crowds to take place in your event! 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 - 11:00 - Registration takes place for all 800m and 400m entrants
10:45 - 12:00 - Registration takes place for all other entrants
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 team relay events and the fabulous solo 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 are the events being held?
The April event is being held at Llys-y-Fran Country Park, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire, SA63 4RR.
The Lake 32 event will be held at Lake 32, Spratsgate Ln, Cirencester GL7 6DF.
Do I have to be a fast swimmer?
No. This is an inclusive, non-competitive event (except for the 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 that for the 800m swim we request you ensure you’re capable of swimming that distance comfortably in water temperatures of under 12ºC. You will need to sign a declaration on the day to confirm this. Please see the 800m ticket page for more info.
Can I enter more than one swim?
Yes, you can swim in more than one heat, for instance the 800m and the relay race/inflatable swim. Separate tickets will need to be purchased for each event you enter.
How much is entry?
Entry to the distance swims is £25-£35 per entrant. Entry to the relay race is £50 per team. Please see the ticket pages for individual prices.
How cold will the water be?
This depends on the event, however our events usually happen in the off season as we are aiming for that cold water experience.
For our Llys-Y-Fran event in April we anticipate a water temp of between 10ºC and 12ºC.
For our Lake32 event this is usually held in November and water temperatures could be below 10ºC.
Please only consider entering the 800m swim if you are comfortable swimming this distance in cold temperatures. The organisers reserve the right to shorten this 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 will take away a tote bag, 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 we suggest all entrants, especially those taking part in the 800m and 400m events, arrive for then.
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 800m swim, we do also encourage you 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 swim hat so you're visible in the water
- Swim shoes
- One inflatable (if you are entering the inflatable swim). Your steed must be a good all-rounder, think running, mounting, pushing, and paddling!
- If entering the 800m swim, we recommend nominating 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 where possible.
Parking is £3.00 per day at Llys-y-Fran and £2 for the day at Lake32 (for Lake32 please bring cash as there are no ticket machines).
Accessible parking spaces are available, but limited to a first-come first-serve basis.
What facilities are available onsite?
LLys-y-Fran
The Llys-y-Fran 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).
Lake32
The cafe will be open serving hot and cold food and drinks.
Changing facilities are available but limited.
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-Fran has a beautiful campsite, and can offer limited on-site camping for those who'd like to make a weekend of it. If you'd like to find out more, please visit their website here.
Lake32 does have a campsite but due to weather conditions in November it will not be open for our events.
