This July, Bath proudly marks 80 years of its unique friendship with Alkmaar, Netherlands, with a special week of celebrations from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11. The events honour an enduring bond formed in the aftermath of World War II, highlighting decades of solidarity, cultural exchange, and community support between the two cities.
The connection began in 1945 when Bath residents rallied to help Alkmaar recover from the devastation of war. Generous donations of food and clothing flowed to the Dutch city, aided by Elias Prins, a Jewish activist and art lecturer who had escaped Alkmaar in 1940 to take refuge in Bath. Prins became an air raid warden and an ambassador for Dutch culture, fostering deep friendships that linked the two communities.
In December 1945, Bath welcomed 50 children from Alkmaar for respite, and by the following year, 100 children from Bath were hosted in Alkmaar. These exchanges sparked an ongoing tradition of community visits, school partnerships, and cultural exchanges that have flourished over eight decades.
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Chris Davies, chairman of the Bath-Alkmaar Twinning Association, reflects, “For 80 years, residents of Bath and Alkmaar have visited each other not as tourists, but as honoured friends. This relationship shows us that from tragedy can emerge compassion, solidarity, friendship, and joy.”
The festivities kick off with an opening ceremony at Alkmaar Garden in Orange Grove, followed by a civic reception at Bath’s Guildhall. On Tuesday, July 8, a themed guided walk through Bath’s city centre will be led by Adrian Amber, the mayor’s guide.
On Wednesday, July 9, the mayors of both cities will unveil a commemorative plinth beside a newly planted oak tree in Victoria Park. Thursday, July 10 features a remembrance ceremony for Elias Prins and his wife Ida at St Swithun’s Church in Bathford, attended by the Mayor of Alkmaar and their son, Professor Gwythian Prins. That evening, the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution will host a talk entitled “How war-torn Bath opened its hearts to starving Dutch children.”
The celebrations conclude on Friday, July 11, with a flag-lowering ceremony at the Alkmaar Garden and a final toast at the Huntsman pub on Terrace Walk, marking 80 years of international friendship and shared history. Throughout the week, visitors can explore displays about the cities’ historic link at the World Heritage Visitor Centre.