SHAFTESBURY Lido is set to open its doors to celebrate those that helped raise funds for much-needed renovations.

Hundreds of donors and local organisations helped raise money to install a new pool liner and modern filtration system.

The upgrades were needed to ensure the pool’s water is crystal clear for years to come.

Now, to celebrate those that went above and beyond to help facilitate this, a summer community fun day featuring live music and family entertainment will take place at the lido this Sunday (August 31).

To kick off the event, Shaftesbury Mayor Virginia Edwyn-Jones, will give a speech at 10am to thank the hundreds of donors.

Following the opening ceremony at 10.30am, fun day swims will take place with free swimming spaces for children – up to 20 per session – courtesy of the Mayor’s civic initiative.

Music from local favourite Mermaid Nerissa, aka Anne-Louise Richards, will entertain swimmers at 10.30am and Lauren Blundell will perform at 11.30am.

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Listen to Vocepura at 2pm and enjoy a games table poolside with Sync or Swim at 3pm

A food and drinks van from Dorset Farm Foods will also be in the Lido courtyard.

As part of the celebrations, Persimmon Homes will be in attendance for their ‘official’ presentation of their donation cheque of £5,000 from their Community Champions scheme – a notable contribution to the fundraising campaign.

Kim Caldwell, sales director for Persimmon South Coast, said: “At Persimmon Homes we want to build more than just homes, we want to build communities.

“One way we are doing that is by supporting projects like Shaftesbury Lido through our Community Champions funding scheme.

“We are delighted to offer this donation and to have played a part in this restoration project so future generations can enjoy this important local facility.”

The Gillingham town clerk said: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, donors, and partners like Persimmon Homes, we’ve been able to make much-needed improvements to the pool.

“The Summer Community Fun Day is our way of saying thank you – and of inviting everyone to see the results for themselves. We can’t wait to welcome you!”