Hundreds of people made their way to the Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles facility for a free family fun day to celebrate its 40th birthday.

The Tendring District Council-run (TDC) centre hosted an action-packed day filled with entertainment and activities for all ages on Saturday, 14 December.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, praised the tremendous atmosphere at the event.

“Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles has been a cornerstone of our community for 40 years, enhancing our residents’ quality of life by promoting fitness and wellbeing,” he said.

“It was wonderful to see so many families come together to celebrate and enjoy the free fun day, which was packed with activities from family fun inflatable sessions to fitness classes.

“I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day a huge success and to the leisure centre staff, past and present, for their dedication in making Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles such a beloved community hub.”

The celebration commemorated the opening of the site in 1984.

It has since grown to include a swimming pool, fitness studios, a gym, an all-weather pitch, accessibility access and private hire.

Highlights during the anniversary event included taster junior swim lessons, rookie lifeguard taster sessions and a range of fitness classes.

Attendees also had the chance to try out a Christmas fun water workout and enjoy free use of the gym.

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