ALTON Sports Centre will host a fabulously festive Christmas pool party this Saturday (December 11) for children of all ages.

There will be a DJ and light show, "cheesy" Christmas music, floats, pool toys and games - from 2pm to 3pm in the learner pool (for younger swimmers), and from 3.30pm to 4.30pm in the main pool for older children.

It follows the breakout success of Alton Sports Centre’s first Hallowe’en-themed pool party over the October half-term break (pictured).

The centre will also host two soft play Christmas parties for younger children on Tuesday, December 21, from 11am to midday, and 3pm to 4pm.

There will be treasure hunts and games such musical statues and musical bumps - and of course more Christmassy tunes.

"Cheesy Christmas music is a must!" said Lisa Brunning, sports and activities manager.

During the Christmas holidays, the centre’s popular Top Rock click-and-climb facility will be open for additional hours; from Monday to Friday, 9.30am until 4pm.

And the climbing fun isn’t limited to children, with the centre’s Black Friday adults Top Rock club deal of ’book one adult place, get another free’ is available every Friday until December 17, from 7.30pm to 9pm - "to encourage adults to have a go too," added Lisa.

Top Rock has been a huge success since the new £20million Alton Sports Centre opened in early 2020, and as well as launching popular junior and adult climbing clubs, is also beginning to attract youth groups, added Lisa.

"We’ve had lots of bookings from Scouts, Brownies and Cubs groups in the late afternoons and early evening, which has been brilliant, really lovely to see," she said.

"A lot of the kids who come on those trips have never been here before either, so it’s great that more and more people are coming to the centre as things get back to normal."