Discover Bath: Highlights for the Coming Year

20 January 2020

Oh, who can ever be tired of Bath? So said Jane Austen, and over 200 years later, that still holds true.

If the mellow Bath stone, magnificent architecture, steaming spa waters and the vibrant foodie/creative scene aren’t enough, we’ve picked out some highlights of the Bath calendar for you to plan your trip around in 2020.

Get hitched
Wedding Showcase: 8 March, Bath Spa Hotel

If anyone in your family is getting married and you’re looking for a venue, this is a perfect excuse for a weekend away in Bath. Our wedding showcase shows off the hotel at its best, with local vendors on hand to inspire and inform you, from flowers, to wedding couture, to cupcakes. It’s all there to help you make those all-important decisions about your big day. A beautiful retreat in the heart of the city, the hotel offers extensive grounds and charming Georgian rooms to make the perfect setting. There’s parking for all your guests too, a rare commodity in the city! Enjoy a glass of fizz and canapés during your visit.

Dance, read, learn, be entertained and party
Bath Festival: 15-24 May

The highlight of Bath’s cultural year, the Bath Festival is the local event. Bringing together the finest musicians, speakers and writers, the events are held over ten days every spring, taking place in beautiful venues and unusual spaces in the city. The whole event culminates in the finale weekend, with a music festival-style party in the park, and free acts all across the city.

Eat, drink and be merry
Pub in the Park: 19-21 June

Tom Kerridge and friends return to the West Country for a cornucopia of music and good food. The best of the local food offer combines with Michelin starred celebrity chefs to provide a whole range of delicious dishes, cookery demonstrations and culinary delights for you to sample. The music line-up is yet to be announced, but you can expect chart-topping bands, old favourites and cult classics.

Dance in the street
Bath Carnival: 11 July

Each year Bath Carnival is transformed with a new theme, inspiring costume designs, dance choreographies and musical compositions. This is a real spectacle and fills the streets with drummers, brass bands, dancers, walkabout acts and outlandish costumes.

Disappear some gin
Gin and Rum Festival: 7 August

There’s a whole world of gin out there, just waiting for you to sample it! This event promises gin and rum guide to steer you through the festival, flavours from all around the globe and themed bars. There are also masterclasses, live entertainment and a DJ.

Walk in a famous author’s footsteps
Jane Austen Festival: 11-20 September

Every year, the streets of Bath fill with literary enthusiasts dressed as Elizabeth Bennetts, Darcys and a myriad of other Jane Austen characters promenading to their hearts’ content. You don’t have to dress up to enjoy the festival, though. There are country dances, a masked ball and talks on the many aspects of Austen’s work. It’s a great time to come to Bath and celebrate one of the best-loved and most talented authors in the English language.

Be a digital native
Bath Digital Festival: starts 20 October

Bath is a renowned digital and creative hub, and this festival brings people and technology together in a thriving scene. Get your hands on the latest tech, learn to code, join an interactive workshop on Artificial Intelligence, or discuss modern ethics. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s something for everyone and the whole experience will give you a different perspective on Bath.

Immerse yourself in music
The Bath Mozart Fest: 13-21 November

‘Her voice glittered as brilliantly as the crystal chandeliers in the Assembly Rooms, Bath’ The Times on Lucy Crowe’s performance at MozartFest 2019. This sets the tone perfectly for what is an annual festival of outstanding classical performances. The programme goes beyond Mozart and is performed by world-class musicians in beautiful venues. Book early though, MozartFest sells out very quickly.

Get some Christmas sparkle
Bath Christmas Market: December

This magical market takes over the winding Georgian streets and squares with over 150 twinkling chalets. So if you’re the kind of person who’s already bought their Christmas presents in the January sale, you need to book this in now so you can sit back and relax, knowing your festive fun is sorted!