Jump in to Bath’s greatest party and open The Bath Festival with an almighty celebration. This year we are filling the streets, parks and venues of Bath with a multitude of arts from electro-swing to cheerleading to Chinese shadow-puppetry. The city will come alive with folk, rock, classical, jazz, acoustic, swing and soul – and it’s all free!

Join in dancing, drumming and samba on our Carnival Street, head to one of our DJ booths to throw some serious shapes or visit our festival hub on Alfred Street for a family friendly extravaganza. After sun sets, hit one of our festival venues or bars and enjoy the music until the early hours in style.

Opening the night with a extravaganza of Wild Voices will be over 100 school children bringing the Abbey to life with song, stories, and visual art. Working with composer Richard Barnard and artist Edwina Bridgeman the children will create a brand new piece celebrating heritage through the eyes of wild creatures. Join us to celebrate children’s creativity and see the Abbey reimagined.

Back by popular demand we are pleased to announce the return of our Festival [Queen] Square filled with great live music and local food and drink. In 2016 over 20,000 people graced Bath city-centre to see their favourite bands and groups across 35+ venues and 3 outdoor stages. This year, invite your friends, family and co-workers to join the city’s largest, free festival and celebrate the arts in Bath.