About
The annual Open House Festival Pickie to Pier Swim takes place on the evening of Friday 4th July. This will be the event's sixth outing since it was reinstated in 2019 by Open House after a hiatus of thirty-plus years, and marks the start of the arts charity's summer programme.
True to the original route, swimmers will enter the water at Skippingstone Beach beside Pickie Park, swim to the tip of the Eisenhower Pier, then loop back to the starting point at Skippingstone.
Participants must be over 16 years of age, and confident, experienced swimmers who are capable of swimming 1000m within 30 minutes.
Safety is the top priority for the race organisers. They liaise with Safer Waters, We are Boat Folk at Bangor Marina, the local RNLI, and lots of other people who help with manning the course and running things on the ground. During the event there will be qualified safety crews, multiple course markings, and thorough safety briefings. All swimmers must wear tow floats, and the route will be supported in the water by kayaks, ribs and paddleboards.
This event isn't just about winning the race – it's about the joy of taking part, the camaraderie, and the sense of achievement for all of the swimmers when they walk out of the water. The final swimmer home will receive just as big a cheer as the winner!
The swim starts at 7pm sharp, and participants will be asked to register at Skippingstone from 5.30pm.
Facilities
Event Facilities
- Booking Required
Parking & Transport
- Station nearby
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £22.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
