1866 storm rescue recreation part of festivities

A lifeboat station is set to recreate dramatic rescue efforts from a huge storm160 years ago as part of a day of festivities.

Torbay's first lifeboat station was set up a few months after the great storm of 1866, and is celebrating its anniversary on Saturday with an event called StormFest 160.

Volunteers and crews from across south Devon are taking part in StormFest, which will include a traditional gig boat pull, a lifeboat flotilla and a commemoration service.

Torbay RNLI coxswain Richard Fowler said: "We've got a really special day of events planned for Teignmouth, Torquay and Brixham - it's been a real community effort to put it all together."

The event was also due to recognise the contribution of women who helped save lives during the storm, with volunteers wearing period clothing taking part in the recreation.

A gig boat wrapped in the colours of a 19th Century lifeboat is to be pulled from Teignmouth through Torquay before being launched and rowed across Torbay to Brixham.

The journey recreates events from 1866, when Teignmouth RNLI volunteers hauled their lifeboat overland to Torquay to help rescue sailors in danger in the bay.

A small fleet of current and historic lifeboats and gig boats is due to accompany the row into Brixham, where a performance by the South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company will recreate events from the Great Storm.

The day is set to end with a service of commemoration and a community festival featuring live music, local food and family entertainment.

Fowler said: "We can't wait to spend time with them, and our many supporters, colleagues, friends and families."

A spokesperson for Torbay RNLI said its volunteers had responded to more than 70 shouts in 2026, with the anniversary event also providing an opportunity to thank the community for its support.

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