First public swim in Victoria Baths for 24 years
A rare opportunity to relive the baths in its heyday
For one day only this Sunday 14th May Victoria Baths in Manchester is hosting a heritage swim event that will give people the chance to enjoy the first public swim in the Grade II* listed building in 24 years.
The swimming opportunity has been organised as a fundraising event for the Baths, which in addition to its open days across the summer, has a number of activities taking place in the coming months to both raise funds and increase awareness of this historic gem as it continues to make its journey towards restoration.
Gill Wright, project development manager for Victoria Baths, says, “Lots of people enjoy visiting Victoria Baths, but it is a very rare opportunity for members of the public to be able to swim here. We are hoping to create an experience that enables people to relive the Baths in its heyday, and to demonstrate what a wonderful and unique swimming experience it offers.
“Theatrical performances, artistic installations and the occasion of our 110th birthday have seen the pool filled in recent years, but this is the first time since March 1993 that we’ve had a public swimming event. Looking to the future, our vision is for a time when the pool is fully in use, and we want to give people a taste of how special that will be.”
Swimmers will be able to use the original changing cubicles, which bring a sense of authenticity, but there are no showering facilities or lockers. The water will be heated, but the building isn’t, so swimmers need to come prepared to wrap up warmly after their swim. The Tea Room will be selling hot drinks. Swimmers need to be the minimum age of eight.
Gill Wright continues, “We would suggest that swimmers approach the session as they would an outdoor swim; being prepared for a cooler temperature, but also a very unforgettable experience."
For further information on Victoria Baths and its plans for restoration visit: www.victoriabaths.org.uk Funds raised from this event will go towards plans to restore the Turkish Baths; following works to the roof, exteriors and some interior work, this is the next step in Victoria Baths Trust’s plan towards the restoration of the building.