POOL PARTIES

Introducing our pool parties – celebrating outdoor swimming, glorious lidos and outdoor pools, and their communities. Join us for talks, coaching, fun races, entertainment and more.

Join our celebrations

Join us at Portsmouth’s newly renovated, iconic 67‑metre outdoor pool. With activities for the whole family, enjoy expert coaching, relaxed talks, community swimming, fancy dress, birthday party fun – and, of course, cake. As Hilsea Lido celebrates its 90th year, and Portsmouth commemorates 100 years of city status, it’s a joyful chance to dive into everything that makes swimming outdoors special.

The day will feature small‑group coaching sessions for a wide range of ages and abilities led by local coaches and the Outdoor Swimmer team. Zoggs will be there with gear advice and swimwear to try and buy, there’ll be an open swim session, stalls, entertainment, crafts and light‑hearted races – a true swimming festival.

Whether you want to learn new swimming skills, share your love of the water with family, friends and like-minded swimmers, or enjoy a fun day out at an iconic open-air pool, the Hilsea Lido Pool Party is about connection, confidence and celebrating the outdoor swimming community.

Everyone’s welcome. Bring your swimmers and dive in!

What’s on at Hilsea Lido Pool Party?

The fun-packed day starts with welcome refreshments. There’ll be coached sessions from the Outdoor Swimmer team and guest coaches for all ages and abilities, stalls, entertainment and fun races.

This line-up is subject to change.

Agenda

• 10am – Welcome
• 11am – Coached sessions
• 12pm – Free family swim and lane swimming
• 2pm – Fancy hat parade and Whacky Races inflatable derby races
• 3pm – Talks and Q&A

Coached sessions

• Swim faster front crawl with Simon Griffiths
• Learn open water skills with Rowan Clarke
• Breaststroke to front crawl with Ella Foote
• Breaststroke improvers with Kirsty Trotter from Swim Eat Sleep Repeat
• Water safety for ages 8+

Coached sessions are £10 each with a valid entry ticket. Book here.

Stalls and guests

• Zoggs – open water and pool swimming kit experts, Zoggs will be available to offer you advice and you can update your gear
• SwimTrek – new to open water swimming or planning your next challenge, SwimTrek can help advise you on the best holiday or coaching camp for you
• Earcalm – troubled by ear issues when you swim? Earcalm will be there to help you with advice and treatment
• SwimTayka – this incredible charity provides free swimming lessons and drowning prevention education to underprivileged children who live along the earth’s open waters. Find out more about what they do and how you can support them