Summer festivals in Bath and beyond

Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath is home to some of the finest architectural masterpieces in Europe and has a rich diversity of museums, galleries and attractions including the popular Roman Baths. Yet Bath is not buried in the past.

With a year-round programme of festivals, events and entertainment bringing life and excitement to this beautiful city there is always something to celebrate! This year’s highlights include the Taste of Bath Festival and the Bath International Music Festival which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The inaugural Taste of Bath event in 2007 was such a success that the festival will be returning to Royal Victoria Park from the 3rd to the 6thJuly 2008 where “foodie heaven” will be staged once again against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Royal Crescent.

The line up of chefs involved with Taste of Bath 2008 is like a who’s who of cooking in the south-west including Raymond Blanc, Michael Caines, Chris Horridge, Martin Blunos, Antony Worrall Thompson, Martin Burge, Hywel Jones and Mitch Tonks. With fifteen of the region’s great restaurants topping the bill, food enthusiasts from around the region will be able to rub shoulders with their culinary heroes and sample their cooking.

Bath favourites like the Hole in the Wall, the Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel and the Olive Tree will be in the company of Michelin starred restaurants the Bath Priory Hotel & Restaurant and Lucknam Park. A new addition for 2008 is the Wheatsheaf at Combe Hay, listed as one of only five “rising stars” in the country in this year’s Michelin Guide.

The event will be buzzing with more than 100 exhibitors of fine food and drink showcasing the best in their class, a champagne and seafood bar and Bath’s own cookery school, the Bertinet Kitchen, where budding cooks can take part in hands-on taster classes.

In partnership with Bath Tourism Plus, Taste of Bath will attract visitors from the whole south-west region and beyond. Many visitors will stay for the whole weekend to enjoy the delights of the city and surrounding area so early booking is recommended. Tickets can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre in Abbey Churchyard, Bath.

An event not to be missed this summer is the Bath International Music Festival - one of the most prestigious music festivals in the UK - taking place from the 21st May to the 7th June. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, this year’s programme will feature an eclectic lively mix of classical, contemporary, jazz, world, electronica and folk music, with performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, the Great Voices of Bulgaria Choir and Opera from the Armonico Consort.

Performances can be enjoyed in dozens of venues and outdoor spaces, ending with an exciting outdoor show in the heart of the city and dancing to a scintillating Brazilian Orchestra, all completely free. In addition, on Friday 23rd May from 6pm, ‘Party in the City’ celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Music Festival by bringing venues across the city alive.

Other events well-worth attending this summer include the popular Royal Bath & West Show in Shepton Mallet which celebrates all aspects of farming and rural life, the Bath Fringe Festival and the annual Bath Spring Flower Show which is held in the beautiful surroundings of Royal Victoria Park and includes a Floral Art display, a British Food and Farming Marquee and fascinating cookery demonstrations.

Guitar enthusiasts will love the Bath International Guitar Festival which has grown in reputation and popularity over the last 10 years and embraces all kinds of guitar music from jazz to rock and blues to acoustic played by international headline artists from across the globe. For a unique experience visit the Roman Baths during July and August in the evening and see the Great Bath by the light of flickering torches.

Fans of Boyzone will be excited to see the return of the group this year and can enjoy watching them perform in one of the Forever Friends Concerts at the Rec (Bath Rugby’s Ground in central Bath), along with other big names including Meatloaf and Katie Mellua. Or head to Bath Racecourse who are hosting a number of events including an Aussie beach party with Rolf Harris, a cider evening with The Wurzels and a Ladies Night – tickets can be purchased online through Visitbathshop.co.uk or by contacting the Bath Tourist Information Centre.

For visitors coming to Bath this summer, there is sure to be something exciting happening in the city. To discover more about the festivals mentioned or to find out about other events taking place in Bath and the surrounding area, visit the official tourism website Visitbath.co.uk/site/whats-on for further details.

The visitbath.co.uk website also provides all the information needed for a trip to the area including accommodation listings and on-line booking. For Taste of Bath 2008 tickets, event information or a personal accommodation booking service contact the Bath Tourist Information Centre.