#BigLidoWeekend

In 2020 the traditional #BigLidoWeekend was a sad and sorry affair. The late May bank holiday weekend, usually such a point of celebration in the lido calendar when the majority of seasonal pools reopen for the summer, was a silent, joyless affair when pools remained dormant thanks to the pandemic. 

In 2021, however, there is something of the spirit of revival about the weekend. Weeds have been pulled, lines re-painted, tanks scrubbed and staff brought back. The turnstiles are ringing once again. Albeit in a slightly more muted way, with reduced capacity, one way systems, shortened sessions, advanced bookings and social distancing all very much in place. 

But none of that seems to matter to swimmers who have grown thirsty for their lido fix this past year or so. Demand is strong, despite the lacklustre weather of late. Even that is set to change though, with the sun coming out in celebration this weekend. 

This year, more than ever, we are delighted to see our pools come back to life and after their extended hibernation they need us more than ever. Please - use them, talk about them, share the love on social media and be extra kind to staff and volunteers who are having to work under extraordinary circumstances. 

Go on then - what are you still doing staring at a screen? Last one in's a nincompoop!