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Save Stroud Lido – Outdoor Pool

SOLS welcomes reopening of historic Stroud lido

Save Our Lido Stroud (SOLS), the volunteer group dedicated to protecting and celebrating Stroud’s historic open-air pool, welcomes the official reopening of the Stroud lido for the summer season starting Saturday 15th August.

Following months of community campaigning against closure – including petitions, flash mobs, and advocacy – the beloved 1930s outdoor pool is set to reopen and will welcome swimmers back for six weeks of summer fun. Improvements for this season include extended three-hour public swim sessions and additional evening lane swimming.

To mark the reopening, SOLS (collaborating with Stroud District Council) has organized a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and live music.

Saturday 15th August – music, new mural and family activities at the lido forecourt:

  • Live swing music: Stroud’s own Moonlighting band will perform 1930s-style swing music at the entrance to set a nostalgic mood, co-funded by Stroud Town Council and Stroud District Council.
  • Mural unveiling: Visitors can admire a new Art Deco-style mural at the entrance. Designed and painted by local artists Katherine Bryan-Merrett and Leigh Charman, with Sam Carter and community volunteers, the artwork was coordinated by the SOLS team and crowdfunded by local residents.
  • Family activities: The Active Lifestyles team will host a gazebo till midday featuring games, goody bags, and lido coloring sheets. 
  • The pool opens on Saturday from 9-11am for lane swimming, 11am-2pm and 2.30-5.30pm for public swimming, and 5.45-6.45pm for lane swimming.

Sunday 16th August – all-day DJs by the pool:

  • All-day poolside DJs: Stroud DJ collective Los Domingos – featuring local DJs Ben Pearce, Jack Duplock, Selva Samba, and Rosco – will spin upbeat global grooves by the pool all day long.
  • The pool opens on Sunday from 10-10.45am for lane swimming, 11am-2pm and 2.30-5.30pm for public swimming, and 5.45-6.45pm for lane swimming.

The evening of Saturday 15th also features an independent ‘Party in the Park’ event in Stratford Park from 6-11pm, with silent Zumba, Clubbercise and three channels of disco from renowned local DJs, coordinated by local business Sweet Silent Disco. No booking required – just come and join the fun!

Responses from SOLS campaigners:

Campaigner Caroline Molloy, who led the SOLS campaign for reopening, said:
“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 6 weeks – let’s come and show the lido some love!”

Campaigner Julian Fiddes, who advised Stroud District Council on reopening works, said:
“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. 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.”

Campaigner 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.”

Campaigner Naomi Said said:
“The reopening launch event on Saturday is set to be a real moment of community celebration and recognition of all the campaigning, support and collaboration that has led to the lido being saved. Thanks to Stroud District Council and Stroud Town Council for funding this event. 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!”

Longer-term future:

Although Stroud District Council has now committed to reopening the lido through 2026 and 2027, its longer-term future remains in doubt. Councillors committed £900k in April to fund additional capital repairs, but structural surveys to determine the extent of works required are not due back until autumn.

SOLS continues to press Stroud District Council for transparency over its plans for the lido’s future, and encourage the council to work collaboratively with the whole Stroud community.

Booking and session details:

Lido tickets remain at £5.50 for adults, £3.30 for children, and free for Active Lifestyles members and Summer Passport holders.

While advance booking via the Active Lifestyles app, website, or phone (01453 766771) is recommended, at least 20% of tickets will be reserved for walk-ups on the day. Additional booking slots may also be released 1-3 days ahead, depending on weather forecasts.

The lido will be open seven days a week from Saturday 15th August onward.

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