Plymouth Lido: Rolls-Royce Phantom makes a splash
Plymouth played host to a truly iconic moment in British cultural and automotive history last week
Last week, Plymouth played host to a truly iconic moment in British cultural and automotive history, as Rolls-Royce chose the city’s stunning Tinside Lido to celebrate 100 years of Phantom – the icon of icons.
In a bold tribute to the marque’s legendary connection to music and creativity, the shoot brought together seaside heritage, rock ‘n’ roll myth, and the world’s most recognisable luxury motor car. It was a celebration not just of Phantom’s centenary, but of Plymouth’s power to inspire greatness – past, present and future.
To create this extraordinary moment, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure made the decision to temporarily close Tinside Lido – a rare move that reflects the significance of welcoming a brand as prestigious as Rolls-Royce. Far from keeping the public out, regular swimmers were invited to take part in the shoot, becoming part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blended community spirit with global luxury.
With the resulting images and video set to be seen around the world, this celebration of Phantom’s centenary puts Plymouth firmly on the map – showcasing its beauty, creativity and ambition. It’s a powerful statement of what the city can offer, and we hope it inspires other luxury brands to choose Plymouth as the backdrop for their next iconic moment.
'Pure Plymouth magic'
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is pure Plymouth magic. Rolls-Royce choosing Tinside Lido to celebrate the Phantom’s 100th anniversary is a moment to remember. Plymouth has deep connections to bands like The Beatles, who played here in the sixties and were famously photographed on the Hoe during filming for The Magical Mystery Tour, as well as to icons like David Bowie and Pink Floyd. Music runs through our veins.
“Like the Phantom, the Lido is a symbol of timeless style and British character – and thanks to a multi-million pound investment, it’s looking more stunning than ever. With its Art Deco beauty and history on screen and stage, Tinside is the perfect backdrop. These images will be seen across the globe. It’s a celebration of our culture, our history, our maritime soul – and it’s got all the flair and fun that makes Plymouth so special.”
'An honour'
Rhys Jones, Chief Executive of Plymouth Active Leisure, added: “It has been an honour to work with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Tinside Lido to celebrate 100 years of Phantom. This unique collaboration brought together two distinct British icons in a project that celebrates heritage, creativity, and the power of teamwork to create something truly unforgettable.
“Rolls-Royce were exceptional throughout—from sourcing the perfect Phantom and preparing it meticulously to safely sit in the pool, to using a boat crane to lift it into place. Every detail was carefully considered to ensure the safety and integrity of Tinside Lido while creating this iconic moment.”