Lido Lovers explores the culture, history and community behind Brightlingsea Lido - the only open-air swimming pool in Essex. Through interviews, personal stories, and topical deep dives, the series examines the rise of cold-water swimming, the impact of volunteering, the realities of lifeguard work, and the fascinating heritage of British lidos.
The Lido has entered the chat - the role of social media at the Lido
How can a phone screen help bring more swimmers, volunteers and supporters to a community lido? In this episode of Lido Lovers, Celia is joined by Brightlingsea Lido lifeguard and social media expert Ollie to explore how Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and podcasting can turn everyday poolside moments into powerful community stories. From the Human Fruit Machine’s 5 million TikTok views to behind-the-scenes volunteering, fundraising and heritage storytelling, discover what makes people stop...
11 Sept 2026
Lido Lane Legends
This week we’re celebrating the people who give the lido its heartbeat: our swimmers. From early morning rituals and chilly starts to friendship, resilience and community spirit, we’re diving into why regular swimmers matter so much — not just to the pool, but to the whole life of the lido. I’ll be joined by two of our early morning regulars Lisa and Karen to talk about what gets them through the gate before most of us have had our first cup of tea, what keeps them coming back, and what the l...
28 Aug 2026
Lifeguard Olympics: Teamwork, Tactics and Total Chaos!
The Lifeguard Olympics came to Brightlingsea Lido — and it was every bit as dramatic, competitive and chaotic as you’d hope. Join guest host Will as the Blues celebrate victory, the Reds plot their comeback, and both teams show why lifeguarding is about so much more than strong swimming. Listen now for teamwork, tactics, water confidence and plenty of laughs. #LidoLovers #BrightlingseaLido #LifeguardOlympics #WaterSafety #Lifeguards #OutdoorSwimming #LidoLife #Teamwork #HappySwim...
14 Aug 2026
DIP, KICK, GIGGLE, REPEAT
in this episode of Lido Lovers which has a health and wellbeing flavour, I explore the benefits of aquacise at Brightlingsea Lido. I look at how water-based exercise can support joints, mobility, confidence, strength, mood and social connection before chatting with Julie Wheeler, the Lido’s brilliant aquacise and Lido Little Dippers teacher, about what happens in a class and how beginners can get started. Aquacise is really good fun so I am hoping after hearing this some of ...
31 Jul 2026
Expresso Yourself Lido Lovers
In this episode of Lido Lovers we shine the spotlight on Cafe Lido, the Brightlingsea Lido's much loved cafe. More than a place to grab a coffee, it's a warm, friendly hub that brings swimmers, volunteers, dog walkers, families and locals together. We explore the unique role cafes play in lido culture, how they support the core business and why they are essential to visitor experience. There will be a chat with Niamh and Rosie two members of the cafe team about life behind the cou...
17 Jul 2026
Baywatch at the Brightlingsea Lido
This week we head poolside at Brightlingsea Lido to find out what lifeguarding really involves beyond the whistle and suncream. With two much-loved senior lifeguards, we talk vigilance, teamwork, public myths, near-chaos and the unique joy of keeping one of Brightlingsea's best-loved places safe. This episode is warm, witty and very local. Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.
3 Jul 2026
The Fundraisers are at it again!
Brightlingsea Lido runs on sunshine and community spirit and an unstoppable team of volunteer fundraisers. In this episode we explore why volunteer fundraising is one of the most powerful forces behind community-run places like our Lido. From national stats to local impact, we look at how volunteer-led fundraising keeps prices low, boosts wellbeing, strengthens community spirit and helps the lido grow year after year. We are joined by two brilliantly committed members of the...
19 Jun 2026
The Secret Superpowers of Volunteering
In this episode of Lido Lovers, we dive into the surprising, science-backed benefits of volunteering - including the fact that it can actually help you live longer. We're joined by Kerry Linden, an Olympic and Paralympic Games Maker who has travelled the world volunteering and now brings her energy, expertise and heart to Brightlingsea Lido. Kerry shares what keeps her coming back, the unexpected doors volunteering has opened, and why giving your time might be one of the most powe...
5 Jun 2026
When a town saved its Lido Part 2 The big Lido comeback
In Part 2 - things look up. When the Lido faced closure, the community stepped forward. Volunteers, campaigners, swimmers, families - all united to bring the pool back to life. This is the story of how Brightlingsea saved its Lido, rebuilt it and created the thriving and happy hub we know today. Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.
22 May 2026
When a town saved its Lido Part 1 When the water nearly stilled - the Lido's pre-rescue story
This espisode starts back in 1932 when the Brightlingsea Lido first opened its gates. From golden summers to years of decline, this is the story of how a much-loved pool came dangerously close to disappearing. It's a tale of changing times, community spirit and the moment everything nearly slipped away Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.
8 May 2026
Chilly Chats and Sunny Places - the Season Begins
A fast, feel-good dive into why cold-water swimming is taking off. Our guest - a high flying professional who loves the water - shares the real benefits, the joy of lido life, and simple tips for getting started. We also spotlight what's new at Brightlingsea Lido this season: Lido Little Dippers water-confidence course - Pop-up saunas - Aquacise - Private hire - Floatation sound-bath sessions. Take 20 minutes, feel inspired and maybe ... take the plunge.
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