ILKLEY Lido will celebrate the Summer Solstice on Saturday with an atmospheric early morning splash.

The Lido will be open from 4.45am to 6.30am and already over 100 people have registered to take a dip in the pool.

The Summer Solstice, also known as midsummer’s day, celebrates the day of the year when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky providing the maximum hours of sunlight.

The Solstice Swim, organised by the Friends of Ilkley Lido with Bradford Council, was a big hit when it ran for the first time last year.

Davy Simpson, membership secretary of Friends of Ilkley Lido, who came up with the idea of the event said: "We have had a great response to this event.

"The setting for the Lido is so stunning with views over the Moor and to the woods that it is hard to beat as a place to swim. To be able to watch the sun rise on the longest day of the year at the same time is a really special experience. Last year we had people from all around the country as well as many local families and keen outdoor swimmers at the event."

Admission to the Lido for Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21, will be from 4.45am and the pool will be open until 6.30am, allowing swimmers to enjoy the sunrise in the unheated pool, which is consistently rated in the top ten outdoor pools in the country.

To warm swimmers up afterwards, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bacon sandwiches will be available to buy from Le Chat Café. Admission to the event is £3 on the door.

Later on Saturday, the annual Live at the Lido concert will take place showcasing local bands and musicians including the four-piece indie rock band Quentins Basement who will be headlining the event.

“Live is not just a chance to hear some great music from many really talented, up and coming local musicians, but it is a fantastic evening for all ages to enjoy with delicious food, a bar and hot drinks provided by local businesses. There is always a great atmosphere plus of course the setting of the Lido is fabulous,” said Becky Malby, the event organiser from the Friends Group.

Tickets for Live, which cost £10 for adults and £6 for young people, with five adult tickets for the price of four, are available from Ilkley Pool/Lido or from the Friends of Ilkley Lido. Tickets can be bought on the door for an extra £1 per ticket. Gates open at 4.30pm and the event closes at 11pm.

Friends of Ilkley Lido are a local group that works to protect and improve the Lido for the enjoyment of all. To contact the Friends, find out more about their work and how to become a member visit the website on www.ilkleylido.co.uk