In pictures: Hundreds take part in Christmas Day sea dips in Suffolk

More than 600 people entered the water in Felixstowe, with many more watching on

Hundreds of people started Christmas Day with a dip in the North Sea at events held on the Suffolk coast.

Swimmers - many dressed in festive costumers - raised money for charity in Felixstowe and Lowestoft.

The Everyone Active 2023 Lowestoft Christmas Day Swim - the 44th time the event has been held - took place in the bay north of the Claremont Pier.

The Felixstowe Christmas Day Dip - the 19th time it has been held - was in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice.

Some swimmers dressed up in Father Christmas outfits

The event in Felixstowe saw swimmers line up along the beach before charging into the sea

Brandon Orton, events and challenges fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: "A huge well done and thank you to all our brilliant dippers who supported this year's Christmas Day Dip.

"A special thank you must also go to the supporters and volunteers who made the event possible and provided such a fantastically festive atmosphere."

It is the 19th time the event has been held in Felixstowe

A swimmer in an Ipswich Town shirt was among those taking part in Felixstowe

Swimmers posed to celebrate after entering the chilly water in Felixstowe

Donna Taylor, of Everyone Active, said: "We are delighted to have played our part in this special event, which is of such importance to the local community and fantastic charitable causes.

"It was great to welcome everyone this morning, not just the participants but also the people of all ages who came down to cheer them on. There were some fantastic costumes on display and our congratulations go to those who took part."

Large crowds gathered in Lowestoft to watch the swimmers enter the North Sea

A wide variety of fancy dress outfits were on display in Lowestoft

The event in Lowestoft was the 44th time it has been held

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp [phone].