Bristol: Swim discos to raise funds for community pool

The Friends of Jubilee Pool are hosting another popular Aqua Disco night for families

A Bristol community swimming pool is hosting a disco evening to help raise money towards vital repairs.

The Friends of Jubilee Pool (FoJP) took over the running of the Art Deco venue from Bristol City Council in 2023.

The group has received grants towards high energy costs and maintenance, but still needs funds to ensure the pool's future.

"So far, it's been about keeping the pool going and the doors open," said Tanya Williams, event coordinator.

"There's a long, steep road and hill to climb, but we've got a really positive community, so we are nearly at the point where we can fund ourselves.

"Each month just gets better and better; it's our community keeping us afloat," she said.

The Friends of Jubilee Pool took over the running of the Art Deco style venue in 2023

FoJP hosts regular events to appeal to families and help boost income.

In summer 2023 visitors to the Aqua Disco were invited to "swim under disco lights and boogie to 80s pop music and classic hits." Award-winning fish and chips were on sale afterwards.

The event proved so popular that three discos, including one for "Tweens", are to be held this time with a "love your community pool" theme.

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"It's a really good opportunity for kids to do fun activities on a variety of different floats. The music just adds to the atmosphere. The children really, really enjoy it," said Ms Williams.

"We're very fortunate that we've got the building, but it's been neglected. We've been fortunate to have had lots of very good funders, who've helped keep the pool continuing.

The Jubilee Pool opened in 1937, designed in the Art Deco style

The Jubilee Pool, Knowle, was opened in May 1937 with a day of celebrations including a diving show and an exhibition of "scientific swimming".

The building is considered an excellent example of the neo-classical Art Deco style and quickly became a local landmark, situated high on a hill.

Bristol at the time was proud of the latest addition to its public baths. Numbering 14, the city was reaching its goal to have a pool within one mile of every Bristolian.

"We're only £35,000 away from our target, which is still a massive amount, but it's a lot better than where we were when we first took over," said Ms Williams.

"We've been focusing on general repairs, but we have grander plans for the future," she added.

The Aqua Discos raise vital funds for the community Jubilee Pool in Knowle, Bristol

The Aqua Discos are being held on 17 February from 16:00 GMT.