Hundreds brave the cold for full moon Ilkley Lido swim

Hundreds of swimmers turned out for a full moon swim at Ilkley Lido as part of a campaign to save the venue.

The popular outdoor pool has been under threat of closure since Bradford Council began a review of its leisure centres.

But the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG) believe it has a future and organised Monday night’s event as an example of how extra revenue can be raised.

The swim, on the date of the first “supermoon” of the year, was inspired by the dawn solstice swims that have taken place at the lido in June for the past 10 years.

Professor Becky Malby is chair of the IPLCG which was set up after residents decided to explore proposals to secure the site for management by the community.

She said: “It was just a joyful event and the sounds of laughter all evening across the pool and the grounds was just superb to hear.

“There were around 400 people who turned up for a swim. We really wanted to show Bradford Council what is possible.”

Ilkley Lido was opened in the West Yorkshire spa town back in 1935 as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations for King George V.

Its outdoor cafe and changing rooms are listed by Historic England.

IPLCG members have said one option is to take ownership of the pool and lease it from the council or work in partnership with it.

Jen McKenna came to the lido from Baildon with two friends. It was their first visit to the outdoor pool, booked as a treat for her 40th birthday.

She said: “I recently got into wild swimming with my mum, she lives on the west coast of Scotland, these two ladies are my friends who treated me to a cheeky dip for my 40th.

“My husband came last week for the first time with the kids and they loved it. I think it’s important, we need outdoor swimming spaces.”

Kirsty Midgley, who also took part, said although the moon was not visible it did not dampen anyone’s spirits.

She said: “It was cold, a little bit drizzly, cloudy but exhilarating.

“I’m a big believer in the benefits of cold water, open-water swimming. Not just the physical benefits, but the mental health benefits too.

“Being able to swim outdoors in a safe, clean environment with lifeguards means I don’t have to be with a group of people.

“I can go by myself and it would just be devastating if the lido had to close.”

Volunteers at the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group include Cath Brownlee, mum to Olympic brothers Alistair and Jonny Brownlee.

She said: “I was brought up in Ilkley, so the boys came here from quite young to swim in the lido.

“As they became triathletes they used to come down and train with the City of Bradford, and they used to come down on their own and swim up and down to get used to cold water, so yes it has been quite important to them.”

She said the pool was “iconic”, in a “wonderful setting” and had an important role to play in teaching local children to swim.

Graham Spencer, 66, who visits the lido most days, said: “I think this is my 83rd visit this season.

“I come down here late afternoon and stay until it shuts. It’s a great place to meet people and get your cold water fix.

“It would be miserable if it shuts, I’ve been coming for the last 30 years, I’ve been coming a long time.”

Bradford Council has said it is planning to conduct a public consultation during the summer months with a final decision being taken later in the year.

In 2021 the pool underwent a £1.4m renovation reopening the following year.

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