The Roman Baths are set to come alive this summer with the inaugural Summer Lates music series, running from Monday, July 21 through Sunday, August 31. For the first time, visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the iconic site by twilight while enjoying an exceptional programme of live acoustic performances and vinyl DJ sets each weekend.
Nestled beside the steaming waters of the Great Bath, these after-hours events transform the ancient surroundings into an atmospheric soundscape. The carefully curated performances emphasize subtle, ambient tunes that complement the historic environment rather than overpower it.
In collaboration with Bath Arts Collective, the series showcases outstanding local and national talent. Acclaimed artists include Our Man in the Field, fresh off Glastonbury’s Acoustic Stage; Hayden Thorpe, former Wild Beasts frontman; and Olly Sundown from Bacana Funk.
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On Fridays and Saturdays, attendees can enjoy a vibrant lineup of vinyl DJs presented by Bath Carnival and POLYMATHIC. These sets feature an eclectic mix of Latin jazz, rare grooves, Brazilian disco, and soulful beats, delivered through an immersive multi-speaker audio system. Noteworthy selectors include Bristol-based Beavs (Lauren Beavis), who blends funk, disco, gospel, highlife, MPB, and jazz; Buckley (Stu Matson), founder of Bacana Funk and Glastonbury musical director; and Monobrow of Sound Records, a champion of deep vinyl culture.
The weekend DJ roster also features DJ Fivestylez (Oli Ackroyd), More Soup collective, Olly Sundown, Prez Pete, and Tim Spencer, each bringing unique world rhythms, funk, soul, and Japanese disco influences. Together, they breathe fresh sonic life into the historic venue.
Sundays offer a more intimate acoustic experience curated by 7 Hills Festival, featuring some of the UK’s most compelling contemporary artists. Highlights include Our Man in the Field, who recently supported Neil Young and performed at SXSW; Hayden Thorpe; and multi-instrumentalist Izzie Yardley. Other renowned headliners such as John Smith and Lauren Housley add further depth. Local talents supported by BBC Introducing, including Lola Lee, Jodie Austen, and folk duo Alex Dover and Pasha Finn, also enrich the programme.
Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, commented: “The Roman Baths has always been a gathering place. By introducing this innovative Summer Lates music series, we continue that tradition with a vibrant, contemporary twist. This fusion of heritage and modern music creates a cultural experience unlike any other.”
In addition to the live music, visitors can enjoy torchlit evenings, a pop-up bar by the Great Bath, and specialized guided tours designed for the evening hours. The site remains open until 8pm Monday to Thursday, and until 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and the August Bank Holiday Monday. Live sessions take place from 5:30pm to 9pm on weekends.
This summer, the Roman Baths invite all to experience an enchanting blend of history, culture, and music beneath the twilight glow of one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.