The National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty has celebrated its 10th birthday.
And all the staff at the beloved attraction want to thank the 850,000 visitors – of all ages and from all four corners of the globe – who have visited since its official re-opening.
From the early morning swimmers who arrive every day even when the sky is dark and the rain is heavy, to the families and community groups that have the best of times splashing in the sun on weekends and in school holidays.
The cold water dippers, the daytime lane swimmers,the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrators and those who dive in at dusk have all helped Lido Ponty become one of the best-loved places to spend time in South Wales.
It was on August 24, 2015 that Lido Ponty was officially re-opened to the public, marking the end of a massive two-year restoration project, which cost £6.3million and was funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the then Welsh Government’s European Development Fund.
The pools, which had stood empty and derelict since 1991 were re-built and re-opened, the original features from the Lido when it first opened in 1927 were painstakingly restored, with bespoke tiles imported from Europe to repair the roof.
The original Art Deco building, including the outdoor changing booths and showers, was restored to its former glory ready for re-opening.
A café, exhibition space to celebrate the history of the building and document its restoration plus meeting/party rooms were also added to the facility to add to its new appeal. The new splash pool with fountain for children and the brilliant Lido Play adventure playground next door completed the offer!
Following the official opening by Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cllr Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, a Blue Plaque was unveiled to celebrate swimmer Jenny James, who trained at the original Lido.
She was the first Welsh woman to swim the English Channel both ways – her story, and some memorabilia from her swimming career – can be enjoyed in the free Lido Ponty exhibition on the upper floor of the building.
Soon, a visit from King Charles and Queen Camilla followed and the fun has not stopped since the doors opened!
There have been early morning swims, daytime swims, weekend fun sessions, pool parties and even a special poolside screening of the movie, Jaws!
Nine Boxing Day Swims have been held, proving so popular that New Year’s Day swims were added in 2022 – both are always a sellout.
Two hundred birthday parties have been held, offering fun in the pool and food in the party room afterwards while countless groups, from schools to support groups for disabled or disadvantaged children have spent time in Lido Ponty.
Sports teams have used the pools for their recovery and training and more than a handful of people have learned to swim, or kept up their cold/wild swimming regime in the pools as well!
Lido Ponty has been a filming location for television programmes, films and documentaries, as well as radio broadcasts and has welcomed the odd celebrity or two!
In 2024, Lido Ponty offered swimming on the Maes as part of the Eisteddfod. This was the first time in the history of the massive cultural festival that such an offer was made. Lido Ponty hosts Pwll Parti Ponti for Menter Iaith every year.
Of course, while there is so much to celebrate, we can’t forget the devastation of Storm Dennis in 2020, which left Lido Ponty under river water. Over 1,000 tonnes of debris had to be removed from the site and the venue was closed for almost a year while repairs were undertaken. Once again, it was thanks to the dedication of staff and the support of customers that Lido Ponty re-opened (like nothing had happened!) and the fun began again!
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “How proud are we to be home to the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty?
“It’s one of the most unique and beautiful attractions in Wales, set in the heart of the stunning Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in historic Pontypridd. It’s a beautiful mix of original, historic features and a modern vibe for all to enjoy.
“It’s been 10 years since Lido Ponty re-opened and, in 2027, we will mark the centenary of the building’s original opening. Thanks to the passion of Lido Ponty staff, and the unwavering support of customers, it’s amazing to see this 100-year-old attraction continue to go from strength to strength.
“We have extended the offer to include cold water swims and seasonal celebration swims AND managed to keep swimming free for under 16s for the last 10 years.
“Pontypridd is a great place to live, work and visit, with the beautiful open space and facilities in the park, the history and culture of the town, lovely shops, the market and places to eat, drink and relax and surrounding walks.
“Lido Ponty is proud to be part of that offer. We thank everyone who has supported us over the last 10 years and encourage those who have yet to visit and enjoy Lido Ponty and the wider offer of its home, Pontypridd, to visit soon!”
