A VARIETY show in aid of Minehead’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) in its 125th anniversary year is being staged in the town’s Regal Theatre on Saturday (April 18).

Minehead’s lifeboat station was opened in 1901 as a direct result of the now famous ‘overland launch’ which took place in 1899.

The Lynmouth Lifeboat was hauled across Exmoor on wagons using teams of horses and helped by 100 villagers to be launched from Porlock Weir to save the lives of the crew of a trading ship which had run into difficulties in a severe storm.

Ever since then, the Minehead station has been on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping to save lives in the Bristol Channel.

Since its inauguration in December, 1901, the lifeboats have been launched more than 1,480 times, saving 356 lives.

During that time, three crew members have given their lives in the service of the RNLI.

The variety night will feature a smattering of shanty songs, a snippet of show tunes, a dalliance of dances, interspersed with a South American band, songs from local artists, and a finale showcasing the talented audience.

A spokesperson said: “Come and join us for an evening of great music, dance, and frivolity from local performers all supporting the 125th anniversary of the Minehead Lifeboat Station.

“Why not join in the fun and come along to support the amazing RNLI crew and have an evening’s entertainment into the bargain.

“As an added bonus, the theatre bar will be open after the performance until 11 pm.”

Tickets at £10 for adults and £6 for children under 16 years of age are available from the Regal box office online or in person at the Regal between 9.30 am and 12 noon on Monday to Saturday.