So what is Candles on The Cobb?

The simple answer is a magical, stunning event when candles are placed at thirty centimetre intervals around the historic Cobb and North Wall of the harbour at Lyme Regis and lit. The candles are ‘sold’ to aid charities and local youth causes in Lyme Regis. The harbour walls in Lyme Regis are themselves historical and visually exciting as they stretch out into the waters of Lyme Bay. Many of the people who have seen the Cobb alight with candles have said that it is one of the most moving things they have ever witnessed. Candles have a strong significance for many people and that is why they will ‘Buy a Candle to Remember Someone – Be part of It’.

Candles on the Cobb is the brainchild of two local friends, Mike Higgs, the Deputy Harbourmaster, and Phil Street the Town Crier. They first conceived it as the latest in a series of fund-raising activities that the two have been engaged in for many years.

Has it been successful?

The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’ judging by the hundreds of letters and comments received from those who have come on those three occasions. Over £40,000 has already been raised with substantial donations being made to Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity, Diabetes UK, the Children’s Unit at Dorchester General Hospital, Cancer Research UK and CLIC-Sargent, the charity for children’s cancer. Donations have also been made to local youth causes here in Lyme Regis.

This year our target is to raise another £20 000 with 25% going to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, 25% to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the rest to local youth causes. Why those charities? The answer is that they have a particular resonance with us as a result of persona; experiences.

So how is the money raised?

You can buy a candle, or a certificate telling you where your candle will be lit on the night, for £2.50. It is just not practicable to have 5000+ people milling around The Cobb on the night!

Buy a souvenir programme for £1.50.

Buy a souvenir T-Shirt for £6.00.

Put money into our collecting buckets as our activities proceed.

The Candle Certificates, programs and T-shirts will be widely available in Lyme Regis before the event, and on this website.