Southport Pontins in its heyday as 15 pictures show what holiday park was like in 1980s
Here we take a trip down memory lane and look back at Southport Pontins in its glory days
The news of Southport Pontins closing has reignited many people's childhood memories in Merseyside.
Yesterday, Pontins in Southport announced the decision to close the holiday park with "immediate effect". The post read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Pontins Southport Holiday Park. After assessing the future viability of the park, we have come to the difficult decision to close our doors.
"Unfortunately, this means that Pontins Southport Holiday Park will be closing from Wednesday 3rd January 2024. Customers whose bookings will be affected by these closures will be contacted by our team and refunded. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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It's fair to say that the holiday camp in Ainsdale, owned by Britannia Hotels, has over recent years come under fire after a string of stories concerning conditions and guest behaviour.
Despite this, Pontins has welcomed thousands of budget holiday goers to its site each year – making a considerable contribution to Southport's economy.
Nostalgic images unearthed from the Reach archives, reveal what a typical holiday was like at the Southport holiday camp, back in its heyday, in the 1980s.
On Wednesday, August 24, 1988, the Burton Mail newspaper (now Staffordshire Live) sent a photographer on a mission to document a typical day at the site.
Back in 1988, Pontins was still run by Bass brewery, with current owners Britannia not taking over the reins until 2011, following the company going into receivership.
The images below show a typical day out at the Southport holiday camp, with families enjoying the laid on entertainment Pontins became famous for.
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Do these awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Enjoying a drink or two at one of the site's bars
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Holidaymakers standing outside accommodation block
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All aboard the Crocodile Express
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Young people showing off some fine 1980s fashions at the Southport holiday camp
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Families and friends enjoying the entertainment
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The camp's chalet blocks
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Kids having fun on the adventure playground
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Smiling couple with t-shirt in the background bearing the slogan 'I got drunk in Pontins'
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Enjoying a pint at the bar's busy seating area
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Getting a photo taken with staff member of the Crocodile Club
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It doesn't look the sunniest but that hasn't stopped holidaymakers from an impromptu jig
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Pontins has traditionally been enjoyed by holidaymakers young and old
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Young couple with some excellent '80s fashion sensibilities
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Lifeguards keeping watch
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Youngsters making the most of the indoor pool
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