Olympic swimming screened at Victoria Baths

There couldn’t be a more appropriate place to watch the first day of the Olympic swimming championships than Manchester’s ornate and awe-inspiring Edwardian water palace, Victoria Baths. Though the once-opulent building has now been drained of all water and is awaiting restoration to its former glory, one of its pools will provide the perfect backdrop for showing this summer’s Olympic swimming on the big screen. Be inspired by the champions of today – and find out about Manchester’s swimming heroes of the past; prominent sports people and personalities such as Channel swimmer Sunny Lowry, along with a raft of Olympic swimmers, swam at the Victoria Baths in the 90-odd years it was open. The pools may be empty now, but Victoria Baths is not short on atmosphere, and visitors will also have the chance to explore the nooks and crannies of this grand, historic building. Volunteers, many of whom swam at Victoria Baths themselves before it closed in 1993, will be on hand to answer questions and share fond memories. However, be warned: these old buildings get cold, especially at night, so wrap up warmly. Entries for a Swimming Art competition will also be on display, with the winners announced on the night. Refreshments available.

Sat 28 Jul, Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester, M13 0FE. Tel: 0161 224 2020, 6pm, Free, www.victoriabaths.org.uk