Film

The Ponds + Swimming talks and exhibition

Director
Samuel Smith, Patrick McLennan
Certificate
12A
Running Time
76 mins

A gentle, straightforward documentary portrait of the bathing ponds of Hampstead Heath and the people of all ages and backgrounds who use them, recorded over a period of 12 months.

The Curzon’s screening is part of the Curzon Roof Festival, which aims to raise funds for repair of the historic cinema’s leaky roof. Before and after the screening, there will be talks by Emma Pusill and John Myatt – two local open water swimmers with quite different stories to tell.

In Travels with My Towel, Emma offers a tour of some of the pools she visited when researching her recently completed book, The Lido Guide (featuring Clevedon Marine Lake). John will discuss swimming 1km in zero degree water, unconventional Russian recovery techniques, and how the right mind-set led him to his rightful place on the podium at the World Ice Swimming Championships in Murmansk this year.

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

There will also be an exhibition of early 20th century photographs of the pools depicted in The Ponds.

By robin askew, Friday, Feb 15 2019

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

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