Stroud’s historic outdoor lido will reopen for the summer season on Saturday, August 15 – with campaigners celebrating what they describe as a major victory after months of pressure to prevent its closure.
Save Our Lido Stroud (SOLS), the volunteer group behind the campaign, has joined forces with Stroud District Council to mark the reopening with a weekend of family entertainment, live music and poolside events.
The much-loved 1930s pool will welcome swimmers for six weeks, with longer three-hour public swimming sessions and additional evening lane swimming among the changes for this season.
The reopening celebrations begin on Saturday with live 1930s-style swing music from local band Moonlighting at the entrance, co-funded by Stroud Town Council and Stroud District Council.
A new Art Deco-style mural will also be unveiled.
The mural has been designed and painted by local artists Katherine Bryan-Merrett and Leigh Charman, alongside Sam Carter and community volunteers. It was coordinated by SOLS and funded through donations from local residents.
The Active Lifestyles team will also be at the entrance until midday with games, goody bags and lido-themed colouring sheets.
Saturday’s swimming sessions are:
- 9am-11am – lane swimming
- 11am-2pm – public swimming
- 2.30pm-5.30pm – public swimming
- 5.45pm-6.45pm – lane swimming
On Sunday, Stroud DJ collective Los Domingos will provide an all-day poolside soundtrack, with local DJs Ben Pearce, Jack Duplock, Selva Samba and Rosco playing global grooves.
Sunday’s sessions are:
- 10am-10.45am – lane swimming
- 11am-2pm – public swimming
- 2.30pm-5.30pm – public swimming
- 5.45pm-6.45pm – lane swimming
There will also be an independent Party in the Park event in Stratford Park on Saturday evening from 6pm to 11pm.
Organised by local business Sweet Silent Disco, the event will feature silent Zumba, Clubbercise and three channels of disco from local DJs. No booking is required.
Caroline Molloy, who led the SOLS campaign, said the reopening was the result of a huge community effort.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has shown up, helped spread the word, and shown the council how important it is to take care of our lido and keep it open.
“We feel lucky to have our outdoor pool and lucky to have such a strong community.
“This re-opening is thanks to everyone who emailed councillors, flash mobbed, waved placards, signed the petition, put up posters, turned up to boring council meetings, donated to fund the mural, and more.
“We can’t wait to see everyone at the outdoor pool over the next six weeks – let’s come and show the lido some love!”
Campaigner Julian Fiddes, who advised the council on the reopening works, said SOLS had helped challenge the need for large-scale capital renewal plans.
“By challenging the need for large-scale capital renewal plans and working with SDC to agree a schedule of achievable maintenance works, we helped reopen the lido safely for this summer,” he said.
“We’re pleased that the council has committed funds for capital investment, and look forward to working collaboratively on the long-term future for the lido.”
Denise Ballard, who coordinated the new mural, said: “Coordinating this project was an absolute joy.
“Katherine and Leigh have captured the golden era of the lido, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome swimmers back past this beautiful artwork.
“It’s a gift from the community to the lido, and every remaining donation to the crowdfunder helps us make sure our artists are fully paid for their stunning work.”
Naomi Said said the reopening would be “a real moment of community celebration”.
“Thanks to Stroud District Council and Stroud Town Council for funding this event,” she said.
“Sunday’s poolside social will bring a wonderful inclusive family and friends style atmosphere for a relaxing few hours by the pool soundtracked in style, alongside the new lido cafe to enjoy too.
“Bring your inflatables and best sunglasses!”
Long-term future remains uncertain
Despite the reopening, SOLS says the long-term future of the lido remains uncertain.
Stroud District Council has committed to keeping the pool open through 2026 and 2027, while councillors agreed £900,000 in April for additional capital repairs.
However, structural surveys assessing the scale of work required are not expected to be completed until the autumn.
SOLS says it will continue to press the council for greater transparency over its plans and is calling for the authority to work collaboratively with the wider Stroud community.
Tickets remain £5.50 for adults and £3.30 for children, while Active Lifestyles members and Summer Passport holders can swim for free.
Advance booking through the Active Lifestyles app, website or by calling 01453 766771 is recommended, although at least 20 per cent of tickets will be held back for walk-up customers.
Further booking slots may also be released one to three days in advance, depending on the weather forecast.
The lido will be open seven days a week from Saturday, August 15.
Full timetables and booking information are available through Stroud District Council and SOLS community channels.
SOLS website: https://savestroudlido.org
Fundraising link for mural: https://www.gofundme.com/f/create-a-mural-at-stratford-park-lido-outdoor-pool
