BRITAIN’S largest and most celebrated Art Deco seawater lido, Jubilee Pool in Penzance, celebrated its 90th Anniversary with a big birthday splash on Saturday (May 31).

Opened by the then mayor of Penzance in 1935 to commemorate King George V’s Silver Jubilee, the celebration event was opened by the current mayor, Stephen Reynolds, before a huge crowd of swimmers all jumped in at once, and formed the number 90 in the middle of the iconic Art Deco lido.

Throughout the day there was also a surf lifesaving demonstration by St Ives Surf Life Saving Club, a synchronised swimming workshop with local troupe Out of Sink, a water polo demonstration match, live music from 1930s swing band Company B, and an appearance from two mermaids.

Penzance Council has been a long-term supporter of the pool as a community facility and recently allocated £40,000 of funding to help towards the costs of the Jubilee Pool’s winter maintenance, subsidised entry for adults living in the parish, and to continue the PZ Under 16s Free Swim scheme, providing free access to Jubilee Pool for all under 16s in the Penzance Parish.

In recent years, Jubilee Pool has combined historical preservation with forward thinking innovation. The addition of a geothermal heated section in 2020 has allowed the pool to extend its offering, while maintaining its commitment to environmental sustainability.

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.

For more information, visit www.jubileepool.co.uk