Dive Fest will be taking place between 15th-17th May 2009, at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park. You have heard of it, right?
Well, we'll forgive you if you haven't because it's a brand new festival. It is however, looking to be one of the biggest and definitely deserves a place on your calendar.
There's no messing around here, Dive Fest is all about, you guessed it - diving. There’s going to be diving, snorkelling, and try dives. And that’s not all… There’s a party on the beach on the Saturday night, with a band, hog/lamb roast, dancing and a bonfire. That not enough for you? Well, you may be being greedy but there's also famous divers such as Monty Halls will be talking about their work and showing films over the weekend.
Don't feel anxious about coming either, it's a family event with MCS beachcombing walks, volley ball and other beach games. There will be an underwater treasure hunt with some great prizes, as well as a photo competition.
Diving manufacturers will also be on hand to show their latest products and in some cases give you a chance to dive with their new kit. Winning entries to the British Underwater Image Festival will also be on view, with a prizegiving ceremony on the Sunday. On that note, it's worth mentioning that under 16's receive free entry to the event provided they are accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Hog/beef roast is not included for children but meal vouchers can be bought separately.
So what exactly can you expect?
Friday night
The event kicks off at 6pm on Friday night, with an acoustic duo providing musical entertainment in the main marquee. There’ll be the opportunity to hook up with friends and prepare for the following day’s diving. Divers wishing to register for Saturday’s Splash-In competition can do so at the British Underwater Image Festival theatre on the first floor of the Clubhouse. Check in to your accommodation, check out the kit manufacturer stands and have a drink at the bar.
Saturday
Diving will be available throughout the day (see divefest.co.uk for more details), 15 buoyed sites offer a wide range of diving – something for everyone. Join in the underwater photography Splash-In sponsored by Cameras Underwater and Canon and keep an eye out for the gold pieces of eight in the underwater treasure hunt. There will be speakers – including Andy Torbet, Monty Halls and the Shark Trust – throughout both Saturday and Sunday in the main marquee. There’s loads to do on the beach with a sand sculpture competition, beachcombing and plenty of games, as well as the chance to try out kit in the pool or introduce a non-diver to the sport with a try-dive in the pool.
Saturday night is party night, with a hog roast included in your ticket price (vegetarian options available), and two bands performing on the main stage.
Sunday
More diving is on offer on the Sunday and with the holiday park offering a late checkout there is no need to rush home. Go and see the kit manufacturer stands and check out the films and photographs on display in the British Underwater Image Festival (BUIF) theatre. The BUIF prizegiving will take place on Sunday afternoon. Diving buoyancy challenges will take place off the beach and there will be more speakers and loads of prizes to be won.
Let's be honest, you want to go right? It's going to be a blast, so toddle on over to http://www.divefest.co.uk for more info!
