90 Swimmers, 1 Cake and a Mermaid: What’s Happening at Jubilee Pool on 31st May?

Penzance’s Jubilee Pool is preparing to make a splash as it marks 90 years of swimming, sunshine and community spirit with an all-day celebration on Saturday 31st May 2025. The UK’s largest and most celebrated Art Deco seawater lido is inviting everyone to be part of the big birthday party, which runs from 11am to 9.30pm at Jubilee Pool, Battery Road, Penzance, TR18 4FF.

Originally opened in 1935 to commemorate King George V’s Silver Jubilee, the iconic triangular pool has become a beloved fixture in Cornwall’s landscape, combining historic architecture with modern innovation.

What to Expect on the Day

A full day of events is planned to honour the anniversary, including a birthday Singalong and Splash where 90 swimmers will enter the pool together followed by a celebratory cake cutting.

Other highlights include:

• A historical exhibition of the pool’s story through the decades

• A surf lifesaving demonstration by St Ives Surf Life Saving Club

• Poolside yoga with Sandra

• A synchronised swimming workshop from Out of Sink

• Live music in the afternoon from Twin Harmony

• Meet the Mermaid sessions for the little ones

• A water polo demonstration match

• Evening swing music from Company B, bringing a 1930s vibe back to the poolside

• Food and drinks served throughout from the café

Nicola Murdoch, CEO of Jubilee Pool, encouraged visitors to dress the part:

“We want the pool to shine on its special day,” said Nicola. “So dust off those vintage costumes, striped bathing suits, and glamorous poolside fashion – or come decked in your most colourful festival gear. Let’s make this a visual celebration as stunning as our Art Deco gem!”

Tickets and Access

Some parts of the day are ticketed to manage safe capacities. While most elements are free, they still require advance booking. Certain sessions, like the geothermal pool and some workshops, require a paid ticket.

🔗 Book tickets and find out more at www.jubileepool.co.uk
📧 Or email: contact@jubileepool.co.uk

About Jubilee Pool

Perched on the Penzance promenade with views over Mount’s Bay, Jubilee Pool is the largest seawater lido in the UK and one of the last remaining Art Deco pools in the country. Since transitioning to community ownership in 2017, it has become a national success story in public asset management.

Susan Stuart, Director of Jubilee Pool Penzance, said:

“For 90 years, Jubilee Pool has been at the heart of Penzance’s identity. The pool has weathered storms both literal and figurative – from wartime challenges to devastating winter damage – yet thanks to the community’s unwavering support, it continues to thrive as a beloved swimming destination and architectural treasure.”

An Art Deco Gem with a Modern Twist

• The pool is triangular, with its longest side measuring 98m, and 56m at its widest point.

• The main pool holds up to 5 million litres of seawater and ranges from 0.9m to 2.25m deep, depending on tides.

• The learner pool is approximately 0.6m deep.

• The geothermal pool, introduced in 2020, ranges from 0.85m to 1.35m deep and is heated to 28-30°C via a 410m-deep geothermal well.

• The main and learner pools are unheated, usually just 1–2 degrees above sea temperature.

• There is no mechanical filtration, giving bathers a natural sea swimming experience, supported by a robust cleaning regime.

• The pool has a capacity of up to 600 swimmers, with the geothermal pool accommodating up to 35 people per session.

Looking to the Future

The anniversary not only marks a rich past but looks toward a vibrant future. Nicola said:

“The 90th anniversary celebration honours both our rich heritage and our exciting future. As we look toward our centenary, we remain committed to ensuring this extraordinary facility continues to serve generations to come.”

Whether you’re diving in for the synchronised swim, soaking in the geothermal pool or tapping your toes to 1930s swing music, Jubilee Pool’s 90th birthday promises to be a day to remember.