Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is delighted to announce that Lido Ponty at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, will be open on Saturday, December 12, from 9am until 5.15pm.

Come and enjoy an open-air swim as traditional Christmas music fills the air to get you in the mood for the festive season.

Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, said: “The National Lido of Wales will provide a unique experience this December and we are excited to be welcoming Father Christmas to the Lido Ponty.

“We are delighted that he has found time in his busy Christmas calendar to drop in to see all the girls and boys. I am sure it will be a fun-filled day during the festive season.

“Not only will we have Father Christmas in residence, but we are also offering swimmers the opportunity to once again take to our waters at this special time of year.”

There will be lane swimming as well as the chance for a more relaxed and leisurely swim.

Throughout the day you will also have the opportunity to take part in ‘Come and Try’ sessions in the pool, including stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing and sub aqua sessions; the inflatable will also be out in the activity pool.

The water temperature will be set at 30 Degrees and wet suits will be provided for all ‘come & try’ participants as well as there being a selection of children’s wet suits available for use if required.

Whether you are going into the water or not, a trip to Lido Ponty at this time of year would not be complete without visiting Santa’s Grotto, which can be found at the Visitor Centre for one day only.

Bring the little ones along to meet Santa as he drops in at the National Lido of Wales. Admission is £9 per child (payable on the day), which includes a special gift off Father Christmas and a commemorative photograph to remember your day.

A pool glow event will also take place at poolside from 4:00pm onwards when floating, lit lanterns will be placed onto the water to create a special seasonal atmosphere which is not to be missed.

Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, will be open from 9:00am until 5.15pm for one day only. Admission is FREE for swimming and the ‘Come and Try activities. Please note: There is an admission charge to visit Santa’s Grotto.

Visitors can also pop into our Waterside Café for a hot drink and a mince pie, along with fine selection of meals, drinks and snacks on the mouth-watering menu.

The Council’s 6.3m Lido Ponty, the National Lido of Wales, officially opened on August 24 and during its first season welcomed more than 24,000 visitors. The restoration of the Grade II-listed Lido Ponty has taken place thanks to £3million from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, £2.3million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a £900,000 contribution from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, and a £100,000 contribution from Cadw.

Father Christmas will be at Lido Ponty from 9am until 4pm on Saturday, December 12. To visit him, places must be booked in advance. Call 01443 490490 to avoid disappointment from 9am on Friday, November 27.

Bookings for the ‘Come and Try’ sessions also need to be made in advance. Stand-up paddle boarding takes place from 10.30am until 12pm; Canoeing from 12.15pm until 1.15pm and sub aqua from 1pm to 4pm.

To book your places call 01443 490490.

Come and join us at Lido Ponty and enjoy the Christmas celebrations. It will be the perfect day out for all the family.