Flood Lit Pools

The very first purpose build entertainment building of its size erected in Prestatyn was the Beach Pavilion, built in the early 1900s on the site of today’s Nova on a solid formed sand hill from which large crowds laughed and cheered with enjoyment at the performances by Arthur Aiston’s Pierrots. A collection tin was later taken amongst the audience and this was the way the Pierrots earned their wages.

 Opened in 1923 and comprising of an extensive salt water pool, café, stage and large ballroom, the Beach Pavilion was said to be in advance of its day. The swimming pool became a hugely popular attraction to locals and visitors alike, notably when it introduced late night floodlight swimming.

A 1930s holiday guide to Prestatyn describes the Beach Pavilion- picture the scene: "As was no more fitting to the oldest watering place along the coast, it was the first to possess an open- air swimming pool. This has proved to be a great attraction since the institution of floodlit bathing at night which is also an innovation. Prestatyn set the fashion”.

Extracts from Harry Thomas' Memory Lane Volume 2
A collection of Harry's Pictures and Stories from the Rhyl and Prestatyn Visitor Newspaper Column, Memory Lane.
©2004 Gwasg Helygain Ltd