Peterborough Lido applies for premises licence - but does not intend to sell alcohol

The application was made by Peterborough Culture, Heritage, Learning and Leisure to Peterborough City Council on March 30.

It requests permission for the Grade II listed open-air pool to host plays, films, live and recorded music and dancing within its grounds from 6am to 11.59pm, Monday to Sunday.

While the licence application also makes a request to provide “late night refreshment” from 11pm to 11.59pm, Monday to Sunday, it is clear there is no application for the sale of alcohol.

The application lists “Theatrical production, midnight swims, solstice celebrations, 12 and 24-hour swimming events, sound bath events and other evening events” as activities it hopes to put on after standard opening hours.

It also states that some seasonal events may also necessitate later opening times, and – rather intriguingly – that “paranormal events may run until midnight.”

The application highlights a concerted move by the Lido in recent times to diversify its offerings to customers beyond the realm of leisure and fitness.

Over the last few years, the 90-year-old venue has hosted a run of al fresco evening shows by Peterborough Mask Theatre where audiences have enjoyed picnics while watching comedic Shakespeare performances in the comfort of a camping chair or blanket.

And in February, it announced it would be hosting Sound Bath sessions run by Synergy Body & Mind UK this June, July and August.

These sessions will offer participants the chance to be “gently guided by crystal bowls and therapeutic sound vibrations as your body softens into deep relaxation” while resting on the water supported by double air mattresses.

Anyone wishing to make representations concerning this application can do so by writing to the Licensing Section of Peterborough City Council at Sand Martin House by April 24, 2026.