The 2025 Season Roundup

Another Great Season at Peterborough Lido 

Once again and as with previous years, it seems like it was only yesterday when the season started. Overall, it has been a fantastic summer weather-wise. Here is a short roundup of the main events of the season. 

This year a formal Lido volunteer scheme has been introduced, bringing FoPL (Friends of Peterborough Lido) volunteers in line with PCC’s legal safeguarding and health and safety requirements.

The preseason planting of the entrance flower beds and on-site planters, cleaning and painting of benches was carried out by a small team of volunteers. Our thanks go to Tesco Community Fund for the generous donation of plants and to those FoPL volunteers who helped staff with painting and cleaning. Staff and volunteers pulled together to get the lido sparkling and ready for opening day, with the toilet and shower areas refurbished just in time for opening.

 FoPL have   provided a daily post on social  media  showcasing  the many visitors  from all over the country and various events, ensuring  the lido profile  is kept live and current.

 The Lido opened on May 24^th, but the Friends of Peterborough Lido enjoyed a wonderful pre-season swim on May 23rd, as part of FoPL membership benefits with the official opening by dignitaries taking place that afternoon. The Mayor Cllr. Judy Fox, Andrew Pakes MP, and the leader of the Council together with other Councillors and local press, were invited to carry out the traditional cutting of the ribbon. The weather was fantastic and the atmosphere optimistic and upbeat setting the scene for what was to be a fantastic season ahead.  Radio and TV interviews were conducted.

Our committee have continued to meet with the PCC (Peterborough City Council) and PCHLL (Peterborough, Cultural, Heritage, Learning and Leisure) management and share ideas and suggestions from our members. Many of these ideas have now been implemented and we would like to thank management.

Starting with the half price entrance fee on the first day of opening encouraging happy families and swimmers to come along at a reduced price to mark the start of the season.  The vending machines from the defunct regional pool have been installed to provide swimmers with a hot drink outside the café’s opening hours.  New merchandise of Peterborough Lido swim hats went on sale this year together with the “Wish you were here” souvenir postcards.

One of the things our members and other regular swimmers have asked for the most over recent years is the introduction of season tickets for more regular swimmers. So, this season the introduction of books of  lido passes, providing a reduced cost for regular swimmers was welcomed by all. Additional early morning swims, now for every morning except Saturdays, evening swims twice a week together with more midnight swims were introduced. Discounted entry for school children on Monday afternoons and Swimology, a discounted session on Wednesday afternoons for those students studying for exams, also proved popular. Weekly Pool side Yoga, Aqua Fit and Aqua Deep sessions were popular as ever. 

Longer seasons are something all our members and swimmers wish for often voicing their frustration that other lidos across the country have these. The PCC have announced that agreement has been given for roll covers to be installed on the lido to help keep the heat in to reduce running costs. It is hope that longer seasons may be affordable in the future. 

The Summer Solstice sunrise and sunset swims, as we have come to expect, attracted many swimmers. In July the Mask Theatre put on another of their captivating performances. This year, Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor entertained the audience on the lido lawn for six wonderful performances, over two weeks with a midnight swim after one performance.  Unfortunately, due to inclement weather the final night’s performance had to be cancelled, but overall, this year’s theatre production was enjoyed by all. FoPL members provided help with stewarding to support the Mask theatre team. 

There have been several swimmers who for many personal reasons have set themselves challenges throughout the spring and summer months. All have completed those challenges successfully and we congratulate them. 

The end of June and all July and into August saw a heatwave over Britain and Europe this  resulted in a massive increase of visitors to the lido. Visitors arrived from many areas of the UK as well as one visitor from as far as China. 

Our FoPL members final post season swim was a sunny, happy but also sad occasion as we said our “goodbyes” to the Lido until next season.

During the second weekend of September after closing to the public the Lido open for three futher days for the ever-popular Doggie swims. There were variety of pet stalls selling all pooch related products. The Lido Café was open, for puppiccinos and doggie ice-creams The no running, no diving, no bombing, rules did not apply and dogs enjoyed jumping. splashing, swimming, and exercising. Many new furry friendships were formed. 

Thanks to all who have been sharing their comments ideas and suggestions to us throughout the season. Please be assured these comments are  discussed with the lido management team and PCC regularly. So, keep them coming in via email.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank PCC and PCHLL/Vivacity management team for listening and where possible implement these ideas. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank The Rt Honourable Andrew Pakes MP for his continued support. He has kept the importance of Peterborough Lido and future of our city highlighted at local and national level, with Peterborough Lido being mentioned in Parliament on more than one occasion. More news to follow including the details of our next Annual General meeting.

Once again, a huge thank you to all the lido staff and FoPL volunteers for a fantastic season as we look forward to an even better one next year when the Lido reaches its 90th birthday.