Bath is set to embrace the festive season with a charming new addition to its Christmas celebrations: a trail featuring a dozen larger-than-life snowman sculptures inspired by Raymond Briggs' treasured book, ‘The Snowman’.
Launching from mid-November and running until the end of January, ‘Walking with the Snowman’ invites families and visitors to explore the city in search of these delightful sculptures, bringing a magical winter experience to Bath’s historic streets.
This initiative is part of a broader five-year strategy led by Bath Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance the city’s Christmas atmosphere, complementing ongoing discussions around the iconic Christmas market’s future.
In partnership with The Festival Lighting Company, the BID is expanding Bath’s festive lighting with a consistent theme of ‘understated elegance’. Illuminations will grace key city landmarks including Bath Abbey, Abbey Green, Milsom Street, New Bond Street, Old Bond Street, Upper Borough Walls, Cheap Street, Stall Street, and the picturesque Pulteney Bridge, among others.
Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID, commented: “This year marks the start of an ambitious five-year programme to enrich Christmas lighting across Bath. While our renowned Christmas market is always a highlight, these new attractions provide even more reasons for people to experience our city at this special time of year.”
Jonathan Bradford, Director of The Festival Lighting Company, added: “We’re thrilled to contribute to Bath’s festive sparkle. Bath’s unique architecture offers a stunning canvas, and enhancing it with tasteful lighting is exactly what inspires us.”
Nicholas Wylde of Wylde Jewellers, proud sponsor for the third consecutive year, shared: “Bath has been incredibly supportive of our business, and sponsoring events like the ‘Walking with the Snowman’ trail is a wonderful way to give back to the community and the families who make it so vibrant.”
The snowman trail aligns with the Victoria Art Gallery’s exhibition, The World of the Snowman™, which runs from Friday 20 November to Sunday 28 February. Additionally, a special screening of The Snowman accompanied by a live orchestra will take place at The Forum on Saturday 19 December.
Local businesses are encouraged to participate by creating their own snowman-themed window displays and festive events, spreading the seasonal cheer even further.
Families will have the opportunity to meet the Snowman in person on Thursday 19 November and Saturday 21 November, courtesy of a collaboration with Rainbow Productions.
The ‘Walking with the Snowman’ trail will be open from Thursday 19 November to Sunday 31 January at various locations throughout Bath. Further details will soon be available on the Welcome to Bath website.