With Glastonbury over and as the Summer holidays edge ever nearer we know that many of you will have planned to visit Bath on a break. Of course there are many Museums and Galleries to visit here, most of which offer Family and Children’s activities to keep everyone entertained during the weeks off school, but we’ve taken a look at what else is happening in the city this Summer to keep you all amused.
- BATH CARNIVAL – Sat July 16th
Back for its fourth year, this community run event really kicks off the Summer season here in Bath. Inspired by Rio Carnival, and with 17 athletes from Team Bath selected for this year’s Olympic Games which actually are taking place in Rio, what better way to get into the South American spirit!
The event is FREE and there are currently workshops running to enable everyone from the Bath communities to come together and join in.
This year’s theme is Amazonias, a Brazilian state named after the Amazon river. Once again the city has been split into 5 areas and each has a specific theme based on the overall topic. Widcombe, Lyncombe and Combe Down are “Tropical Fruits”, Lambridge, Walcot and Bathwick are “Tribes, Twerton, Southdown, Oldfield and Odd Down are “Parrots and Toucans”, Newbridge, Weston and Lansdown are “Flowers” and finally Kingsmead, Westmoreland and Abbey are “Jungle”.
The procession will congregate at Bath Rec at midday so that everyone can get in their costumes and get into the spirit of the event. Local schools, dance groups and community centres all take part and it really brings the city alive. Starting at 3pm on Great Pulteney Street the Carnival winds it way through Bath’s streets until it gets to Kingston Parade opposite the Abbey, at around 4.30pm.
- EDINBURGH FRINGE COMES TO BATH – Tue 28th June to Tue 2nd August
If you can’t make it up to Edinburgh in August for the Fringe Festival, then fear not! Komedia in Westgate Street has only gone and managed to book some of the upcoming and established Fringe Festival favourites for a Preview Season at the club.
Not only will it be good practice for the performers to hone their act before competing for a coveted Edinburgh Fringe Award, but will give Bath audiences a chance to have a chuckle, or even a heckle.
With talent such as Sofie Hagen, Jamali Maddix,Lucy Porter, Holly Burn and Seann Walsh, you’re sure to have a good time.
Details of all performers and how to book tickets can be found here.
- BATH FOLK FESTIVAL – Sat 6th August to Sun 14th August
Now in its seventh year the Bath Folk Festival once again enlivens the city with international talent from the world of folk music. The venues are as varied as the acts, and are spread throughout the city so it will give you a chance to perhaps explore an area, and venue, you may not have been to before. There is even music in the Royal United Hospital’s Atrium Cafe!
Not only can you enjoy some great performances, but you can also take part in workshops and sessions. Every week day throughout the festival the family can head to Green Park Station’s creative space for an afternoon of Folk Art; including art and craft activities, storytelling and circus skill workshops. There’s even a Family Ceilidh on the Tuesday at 6pm at the Station.
Joining the Festival’s International Guest, Garikoitz Mendizabal from the Basque region of Spain, are such varied performers as Eagle Alley, Beth Porter, Lau, The Rumblestrutters, Ray Smith and Kerryn Schofield.
If all that music inspires you to have a go, then you can at the Festival’s Summer School that runs from the 8th to 12th August. It concludes with a Mass Busk in the city centre on the Saturday.
There is also the opportunity to win a day recording at the nearby Real World Studios, the studio owned by Peter Gabriel. All details of how to partake in this competition (as well as details of performers, venues and tickets) can be found on the Festival’s website.
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You’ll never be bored when you come to an exciting city such as Bath. But if you need some relaxation after all the hustle and bustle then our Spa Break may be just the ticket. Two nights in one of our comfortable en-suite rooms, with breakfast included, PLUS a 2 hour session at the Thermae Bath Spa, letting those mineral rich waters soothe any aches away; followed by a Taittinger Champagne cream tea in our 1846 Bar. You can always make it an inclusive break and have dinner on both nights as well! All this from only £159 per person (from £189 per person for Inclusive Break). Simply call us today on 01225 463134 to book.
If you’ve already sorted your accommodation but need a refreshing drink or delicious home-cooked meal then look no further than The Royal. We’ve got plenty on our Bar and Brasserie menus to delight you. Plus we now have our new Cocktail menu – perfect for the Summer, and to get you into the spirit of Rio, the Olympics, and the Bath Carnival! All cocktails are £6.50 each and for those of you with our FREE Loyalty Card you can enjoy 2 cocktails for only £11.
For further information about The Royal Hotel please visit our website.
Visit Bath also has information about other events happening in the city this Summer, so do take a look before you arrive.
(Photographs copyright Bath Carnival, Komedia, Bath Folk Festival, Real World Studios, The Royal Hotel, Thermae Bath Spa)