Lido plans 'big weekend' party to mark 90th year

Helen Burchell
News imageVivacity Peterborough Large outdoor swimming pool with a two-storey green building in the background.Vivacity Peterborough
The outdoor heated pool on Bishop's Road is hosting birthday celebrations this weekend

If you are a fan of swimming by moonlight, or paddling around while being serenaded, a city pool is the place to be as it celebrates its 90th year.

The Grade II listed Peterborough Lido opened in 1936 and has survived several threats of closure and even a World War Two bombing raid in 1942.

The pool has been described as one of the city's "crown jewels".

There are a number of exhibitions in the city to mark the anniversary and Vivacity, which operates the pool, has put together some special events for its "Big Birthday Weekender".

News imageLaurence Cawley/BBC A front view of Peterborough Lido. It is a white art deco building with a painted sign showing a beach umbrella and the words "the lido". There is a lawned area to the front and a clock tower on top of the main building.Laurence Cawley/BBC
The fun does not stop as the sun goes down

Swimmers who love a balmy evening dip or swimming by the light of the moon can enjoy the midnight swim on Friday, which takes place from 19:00 BST to 00:15.

Those who got tickets for the sold-out event can swan around under the stars and organisers promise festival lights and music as well.

News imageVivacity Swimmers are in an open air pool that is bathed in moonlight and lighting around the pool. There is a two-storey building by the pool and people are watching from the terraces.Vivacity
This weekend's midnight swim is sold out but others are planned in July and August

Saturday sees the Fun Family Gala take place from 09:00.

The gala includes races for both adults and children but you need to register in advance to take part in those.

That is followed by a pool party with live music from local musicians including the Palmy Ukulele Band and Groove Cartel.

The party takes place between 13:00 and 20:30.

If you prefer to take things "Easy like a Sunday Morning", you can chill out in the pool or on the terraces to a live session from local classical guitarist Steve Bean, offering up an eclectic mix of classical, Spanish pieces, modern pop and rock classics. Early birds can enjoy that 07:00 to 09:00.

That is followed by the 90th party running until 18:00 with family fun, fancy dress, entertainment and swimming, plus live music from 13:00.

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