The Seaside Revival, organised by the Open House Festival, includes the legendary Pickie to Pier Swim on 4th July as part of its programme. Pickie refers to the area on the west side of Bangor Bay on Belfast Lough and derives its name from Pickie Rock, a notable rock from the 1800s and early 1900s, which was a renowned spot for catching pickies—a Scots and Ulster-Scots term for small coalfish, also known as coley or blockan. The Pier is a segment of Bangor Harbour.
Originally held from the early 1900s until the 1980s, this event was revived in 2019 after a 30-year hiatus, and Open House is excited to celebrate its sixth year back in action.
Last year's Pickie to Pier Swim winner for the third time Jessika Robson Photo: Kenneth Gibson
Last year, the course was redesigned to honour the original route, starting and finishing at Skippingstone Beach (Pickie), and the feedback received was fantastic. Thus, once again, participants will swim towards the Eisenhower Pier, navigating an 800m marked course before returning to the beach.
The evening starts at 7 pm to accommodate the tide times for the weekend.
Safety remains the top priority to ensure that all swimmers have a fun and secure experience. With qualified safety personnel, thorough course markings, and safety briefings, swimmers will be given the confidence to focus on enjoying the thrill of the swim. It is advised that participants must be capable of swimming 1000m within 30 minutes, and all entrants must wear a tow float.
All swimmers will receive a race swim cap, finisher medal, and complimentary hot drinks and snacks to refuel after the race. Winners will be awarded trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.
Safety cover will be provided by Safer Waters.
You can enter here
