Families, long-time swimmers and future stars came together on Saturday (July 26) to mark 90 years of Letchworth Lido, with a day of family fun, water-based activities and nostalgia.

The landmark event marked nine decades since the open-air pool first opened its doors on July 31, 1935. Operated by Everyone Active in partnership with North Herts Council, the Lido remains a much-loved local gem and an iconic part of the town's summer tradition.

Saturday's festivities featured something for everyone, including balloon modelling and music from a live DJ.

The pool itself was the main stage for a packed programme of aquatic taster sessions, fitness classes and a special birthday party.

More than 250 people took part across the public and family swim sessions, while the aquatic taster sessions were fully booked, with 75 children taking part in a series of activities including artistic swimming, water polo, Rookie Lifeguard skills, speed swimming and diving.

Two rising para-swimming stars - Olivia Newman-Baronius and Harry Arnold-Pepper - added a touch of elite sporting inspiration to the day, helping to deliver the speed swimming and diving taster sessions. The pair are both part of the Everyone Active Sporting Champions scheme, which supports more than 1,000 athletes across the country.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia, from Leighton Buzzard, is a Paralympic gold and bronze medallist who made her Games debut at Paris 2024. She also holds two European titles and previously equalled a world record in her classification. Olivia brought her medals along on the day, proudly showing them to children, posing for photos and chatting to young swimmers about her journey in the sport.

"It was so special to be part of the Lido's 90th celebrations," said Olivia. "I loved meeting the young swimmers - their energy and enthusiasm reminded me why I started in the first place."

Harry, 16, from Royston, is one of the country's top young breaststroke swimmers. He holds the East of England record in his class and recently won silver at the English Schools Championships. He said: "Helping out at the Lido was a brilliant experience. It's great to see so many children having fun in the water and trying new things - that's how the journey starts for so many of us."

Children in the speed swimming session had the opportunity to race against Olivia and Harry in short 15-metre sprints.

They also supported diving technique demonstrations, helping swimmers progress from basic jumps to crouch dives. The morning wrapped up with a friendly race between the two athletes that drew cheers from spectators.

The event also welcomed long-time regulars who've made the Lido part of their routine for decades. Among them was Jan Coulter, who has been coming to the pool for more than 50 years. Jan, who swims every morning with her husband Ray, even recreated a photograph of herself taken over 40 years ago in the exact same spot.

Sarah Wright, General Manager at Letchworth Lido, said: "We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the response from the community. This celebration really showed how special the Lido is - not just as a place to swim, but as a place that brings people together, across generations. Olivia and Harry were brilliant with the children, and seeing swimmers returning year after year reminds us just how important the Lido is to local life."

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, added: "It was such a joy to be part of the Lido's 90th birthday celebrations. There was a real buzz – families having fun, kids trying out new water activities, and even the chance to see future Paralympic stars in action. The Lido has been at the heart of summers in Letchworth for generations, and it was wonderful to see how much it still means to people of all ages."