It was a day of fun and frolics in the sun for a lido’s milestone anniversary at the weekend.

More than 10,000 people gathered at the Saltdean Lido to celebrate its 75th birthday on Saturday.

The community event was organised by the Saltdean Community Interest Company – one of the groups bidding to take control of the lido following a period of uncertainty about its future.

The day, which kicked off at Oval Park at 11am, saw a jampacked schedule of entertainment and family fun including live jazz, zumba, go-karting, a police dog display and various stalls.

Animal lovers were treated to close encounters with owls, snakes and other reptiles while pet owners propelled their dogs into the spotlight at a dog show.

The children were kept entertained with a gym and assault course, face painting and a treasure hunt, while adults took advantage of a fully-licensed bar.

In the evening, a comedy show and Abba tribute band both welcomed sold-out capacity audiences of 500 people.

Rebecca Crook, of the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, said: “It was our third fun day and was absolutely packed. It’s definitely the busiest fun day we’ve ever held, which is really pleasing.

“The kids were going crazy, we had Gully the Albion mascot down who naturally got mobbed, hundreds of people joining in zumbaclasses and some really greatmusical entertainment in the day and evening.

“It’s firmly becoming established as a community event now and lots of people were asking about details on next year’s event.

“Depending on what happens with the ownership of the lido, I’d like to say we’ll be back next year.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers who worked really hard to keep the event running. Their work was invaluable.”

The lido was most recently saved from demolition and development plans in 2010.

The leaseholder at the time dropped the proposals and handed the keys back to Brighton and Hove City Council after fierce local opposition.

Its future is now set to be decided later this year, with Brighton and Hove City Council poised to award ownership of the attraction to its preferred bidder.