The iconic Jubilee Pool, Britain's largest and most celebrated Art Deco seawater lido, will mark its 90th anniversary with a spectacular splash on Saturday 31st May. The historic swimming venue, which first opened in 1935 to commemorate King George V's Silver Jubilee, invites everyone to join in commemorating nine decades of swimming, socialising, and heritage.
Anniversary Weekend Festivities
The celebrations kick off at 11am on Saturday 31st May and include:
- A birthday Singalong and Splash event, with 90 swimmers jumping into the pool together followed by cutting the birthday cake!
- Historical exhibition showcasing the pool's remarkable journey through the decades
- A surf lifesaving demonstration by St Ives Surf Life Saving Club
- A poolside yoga session with Sandra
- A synchronised swimming workshop with Out of Sink
- Live music from Twin Harmony (afternoon)
- Meet the Mermaid sessions
- A water polo demonstration match
- Live music from 1930s swing band Company B (evening)
- Food and drinks will be available from the pool's cafe throughout the event
Dress to Impress!
Visitors are encouraged to dive into the celebratory spirit by donning 1930s-inspired swimwear and attire or bringing their brightest festival vibes to the poolside! "We want the pool to shine on its special day," says Nicola Murdoch, CEO of Jubilee Pool "so dust off those vintage costumes, striped bathing suits, and glamorous poolside fashion – or come decked in your most colourful festival gear. Let's make this a visual celebration as stunning as our Art Deco gem!"
Take Home a Piece of History
A range of limited edition commemorative merchandise will be available during the anniversary weekend. From vintage inspired posters and postcards to specially designed anniversary t-shirts and swimming caps, these unique keepsakes offer the perfect memento of this historic milestone. All proceeds from merchandise sales will be reinvested directly into the running and preservation of the pool.
A Treasured Local Landmark
"For 90 years, Jubilee Pool has been at the heart of Penzance's identity," said Susan Stuart, Director of Jubilee Pool Penzance. "The pool has weathered storms both literal and figurative – from wartime challenges to devastating winter damage – yet thanks to the community's unwavering support, it continues to thrive as a beloved swimming destination and architectural treasure."
The triangular pool, designed to withstand the force of powerful waves from Mount's Bay, stands as one of the finest examples of Art Deco coastal architecture in the country. Its elegant lines and modernist aesthetic have made it a favourite subject for photographers and artists throughout its history.
Innovation and Preservation
In recent years, Jubilee Pool has combined historical preservation with forward thinking innovation. The addition of a geothermally heated section in 2020 has allowed the pool to extend its offering, while maintaining its commitment to environmental sustainability.
"The 90th anniversary celebration honours both our rich heritage and our exciting future," said Nicola Murdoch. "As we look toward our centenary, we remain committed to ensuring this extraordinary facility continues to serve generations to come."
Community Ownership Success Story
Since transitioning to community ownership in 2017, Jubilee Pool has become a national success story for community asset management. The pool now operates as a community benefit society, owned and operated by and for the local community, ensuring its place at the heart of Penzance's cultural and recreational life.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Event Details:
What: Jubilee Pool 90th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday 31st May 2025 from 11am - 9.30pm
Where: Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4FF
Tickets: Some of the elements of the day are ticketed to manage safe capacities. Most elements are free but still require a ticket. Some elements require a paid for ticket.
For more information and to book tickets please visit www.jubileepool.co.uk##### or email [email protected].
About Jubilee Pool
Opened in May 1935, Jubilee Pool is the UK's largest seawater lido and one of the few remaining Art Deco lidos in the country. Located on the promenade in Penzance, Cornwall, it offers breathtaking views across Mount's Bay. The pool is operated as a community benefit society and features both unheated seawater swimming and a geothermally heated section. The facility includes a poolside café, changing facilities, and accessibility features for swimmers of all abilities.
- It is triangular with the longest side 98m long and 56m width in the widest part.
- The main pool depths range from approx. 0.9m to 2.25m depending on the tides.
- The learner pool depth is approx. 0.6m.
- The geothermal pool depth ranges from approx. 0.85m to 1.35m.
- The whole pool contains 5 million litres of sea water.
- The main and learner pools are not heated, they are usually is 1-2 degrees above sea temperature.
- It has no mechanical filtration and minimal chemical treatment for a natural sea water bathing experience and a robust cleaning regime to keep it clean and safe.
- The geothermal pool is heated to 28-30 degrees via a 410m deep geothermal well.
- The geothermal system operates by extracting warm water from the geothermal well taking heat out of that water using heat pumps and distributing it to the pool via a heat exchanger, before re-injecting the cooler water back into the ground.
- Jubilee Pool has a capacity of up to 600 swimmers, depending on lifeguard levels. The geothermal pool can accommodate up to 35 persons per session.
Press contact:
Liz Kay - Marketing and Communications Officer
01736 369224 / [email protected]
