Visitors choose to stay in accommodation in Bath all year round, and thanks to a lively entertainment scene and some fantastic venues there’s always something to enjoy of an evening during a stay in the city.
What is the Bath Pavilion?
If you have never been there before, you may be wondering exactly what the Bath Pavilion is. Is it what it sounds like – a summerhouse built in a local park? Or is it like an old wooden cricket pavilion perhaps? Well, we’re pleased to be able to report that it is something else completely: a rather more solid, and beautiful building than the name might suggest, which was constructed in 1910. The Edwardian pilasters on either side of the main entrance echo the Palladian architecture so prevalent elsewhere in the city and the building as a whole is a great example of the decorative style that was in vogue at the time.
Has the Bath Pavilion Always Been an Entertainment Venue?
The answer to this question is yes, but, as mentioned above, not in the way that we might have expected. When Bath Pavilion was completed in 1910, it opened for business as the Somerset County Skating Rink, its solid rock maple floor helping to attract enthusiastic skaters from all around the area. As an indoor rink, it was able to offer year-round skating to locals and visitors, who flocked to the thrice-daily sessions that were accompanied by live music. After 2 decades, it was subsequently purchased by Bath and North Somerset Council and reopened toward the end of 1930 as a premier music concert venue (with skating still offered outside of concert hours). It has thrived in this capacity ever since, playing host to some amazing musical events.
Who Has Played at the Bath Pavilion?
We know it’s a beautiful venue with an interesting history but has anybody really famous ever played at the Bath Pavilion? You bet! Among the world-renowned acts to have appeared at the Bath Pavilion are the following:
- The Beatles
- Jimi Hendrix
- The Who
- Oasis
- Led Zeppelin
- Coldplay
- Beautiful South
- Pink Floyd
And dozens more equally impressive names that we don’t have the space to mention. Whether you want to skate or attend a concert, make sure you check out the Bath Pavilion during your stay with us.
Bath Pavilion has been the city’s premier live entertainment venue since 1920, and it still hosts some of the biggest names in the business every year. Whether you’ve been meaning to catch a West End musical that’s doing the rounds or your visit happens to coincide with one of the many one off evening shows that grace the theatre, there’s always something to see.
The theatre started life as a skating rink and it’s often still used as one today, so why not gather the whole family and show off your skills at one of the supervised skating events? It’s free to hire skates and every event includes prizes, games and music. Better yet, you can choose from adult skating or family skating events so if you were hoping to try something different during a romantic break in Bath then you can get your skates on and practice your Bolero!
Check the Bath Pavilion website to see what’s on before you’re Bath break.