After being damaged during Storm Bert, which also caused many homes to be flooded in Pontypridd, the National Lido of Wales has announced it is ready to reopen and will welcome swimmers for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims. The lido, which is in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, confirmed this was possible due to a “huge effort from staff”.
After the storm the lido needed to be cleaned and equipment replaced that was contaminated by flood water. The council said that thanks to the efforts of Lido staff on Sunday, November 24 Lido Ponty did not suffer the same level of damage caused by Storm Dennis in 2020 which saw the attraction closed for more than a year.
The pools were drained and cleaned, filtration systems were tested, and the site had a deep clean as part of the clean-up process. Now tickets are going on sale next week for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swim.
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The lido after Storm Bert -Credit:John Myers
Posting to their website Lido Ponty said: “Following a huge effort from staff, we are pleased to confirm Lido Ponty will be ready for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims 2024 and tickets go on sale at 9am, Tuesday, December 17. It’s been a challenging few weeks at the beloved attraction, which was damaged in Storm Bert.
Repair and restoration work was further affected by Storm Darragh. However, thanks to the dedication of Lido Ponty staff, it’s business as usual.” Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What’s On newsletter here.
It is recommended to buy your tickets, which you can buy here, quickly once they go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, December 17 as they are expected to sell out. The swim on Boxing Day will be heated and Lido Ponty is encouraging people to wear Santa hats and enjoy a festive hot chocolate after.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “It’s been quite the year for the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. From the excitement of welcoming visitors from all over the world during the National Eisteddfod in summer to the devastation caused once again due to storms.
“I am, and I am sure customers are too, extremely grateful to the incredible staff who not only worked on site during the storms to protect the Lido from as much damage as they could, but worked tirelessly to get our much-loved Lido open ready for the festive season. Thank you all.”