Hurly Burly 2025

20 Oct

On Friday 10th October 2025 (World Mental Health Day) 500 swimmers gathered in Barmouth, North Wales, to take on the mighty Afon Mawddach. There could not have been a better day, or a better place, to celebrate the power of water, community, and connection. Tickets are now live for Saturday 12 September 2026. Make sure you sign up (or register interest) today to be in with a chance to swim.

From Thursday evening registration, to the chilli supper at the Yacht Club, to the river swim itself- this was more than an event. It was a celebration of joy, courage, and the river that carries us all.

This year’s Hurly Burly raised over £18,000, funding hundreds of swimming lessons for children with disabilities across the UK. Lessons that keep them active, confident, and looking forward to the best hour of their week.

Thursday: Arrival and Registration

We are so lucky to have such a dedicated crew of volunteers (some familiar, some brand new) who bring this event to life.
On Thursday evening, as the sun dipped behind the hills, they pitched marquees, hung signs, and draped the iconic pink and yellow bunting across the boatyard. Then came the smiles- at the registration desk, handing out race packs and swim hats, welcoming swimmers as excitement began to build.

One volunteer, a last-minute addition, had arrived alone. Nervous about both swimming and volunteering, she spent three hours answering those same questions she herself wondered, “Should I wear gloves?” “What should I eat in the morning?” “When do I drop my bag?”. And in that time, realised that everyone felt the same. Nervous, excited, connected. The next morning she was beaming. “I’ll be back next year,” she said. Another volunteer for life, as so many of them become.

After registration, most swimmers made their way to the Yacht Club for the traditional chilli night. Through the wide glass windows, they looked out over the still river and the railway bridge - tomorrow’s route shimmering in the dusk.

Friday: The Swim

There’s usually a run before the Hurly Burly, but not this year- the October date meant it would’ve been run in complete darkness. (Watch this space for 2026!)

At 6:30am, the volunteers were back on duty, cheerful as ever. Swimmers emerged from campervans and Airbnbs, clutching coffee cups and nerves in equal measure. Down at the beach, the wind was light and the air mild. Perfect conditions.

By 8am, the boatyard was alive with chatter. The safety briefing brought laughter, camaraderie, and a reminder that this was not about speed — but experience. Then came the procession to the beach. Skin swimmers held onto their dryrobes until the final moment, stepping across the timing mat and into the river.

At first, the swimmers waded through calm water. Then, halfway out, the current caught them and then they were flying under the iconic railway bridge, heads back, arms wide, grinning at the sky. The water safety crew watched closely, it was clear: this was pure joy in motion.

Arrival at Penmaenpool

Ten kilometres later, the swimmers emerged from the river to cheers, flares (pink and yellow, of course), and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. The finish line at the George III was alive with music, laughter, and relief.

Inside, the pub was buzzing. Staff served hot food buffet-style, and worked tirelessly behind the bar, keeping every swimmer fed and smiling. Outside, the autumn sun broke through the clouds, lighting up the hills and turning the river to glass. Cameras clicked, hugs lingered, and no one seemed in a hurry to leave.

Legacy

An hour after the last swimmer left, the swim finish was spotless. The marquee was down, the firepit out, and the “leave no trace” promise fulfilled once again, a huge thank you to our tireless pack-down crew.

Back in Barmouth, swimmers and volunteers shared one last pint, one last story, one last laugh.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Hurly Burly so special — our volunteers, fundraisers, the Barmouth Yacht Club, and the George III pub for their incredible hospitality.

A special mention goes to Amanda Bowden, who raised over £5,000 through her beautiful sewing creations — an extraordinary achievement.

And finally, thank you to the weather gods for blessing us on Friday 10th October. Together, we found joy in the water — and we’ll carry that feeling all the way to 2026.

Thank you all, so, so much.

Photos by Dan Jones @danjonesimages