Get ready for the grandest celebration of the year as Bath welcomes Party in the City, the opening event for The Bath Festival 2024, on Friday, May 17.
Starting at 5pm and lasting well into the night, Party in the City is set to transform the city center with thousands of performers showcasing their talent in a diverse array of venues. With 39 participating locations, from churches and pubs to museums and public parks, visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of musical genres including funk, jazz, soul, folk, world, and classical, as well as captivating choir performances.
Attracting crowds of tens of thousands, the event offers the choice of exploring multiple venues or staying at one location to experience the performances throughout the evening. This vibrant celebration also brings a buzz to the city’s bars and restaurants as attendees indulge in the festive atmosphere.
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Highlights of the evening include a captivating performance by a 120-strong choir comprising young individuals from local secondary schools and young carers at Bath Abbey, a set by Zach Ware, the drummer of The Proclaimers, and a session featuring Matt Owens, formerly of Noah and The Whale, with his band The Delusional Vanity Project. The renowned Natural Theatre Company will also add to the excitement with their captivating street theatre.
To plan your evening, visit bathfestivals.org.uk for the event schedule or pick up a free paper program from city center venues.
This special night of entertainment marks the start of The Bath Festival, a not-for-profit charity event celebrating books and music since 1948, which will continue until Sunday, May 26. The festival boasts an impressive lineup including journalist Clive Myrie, singer and broadcaster Michael Ball, comedians Sara Pascoe, Ruby Wax, Helen Lederer, and Shaparak Khorsandi, folk singer Cara Dillon, astronomer Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, activist George Monbiot, and thriller writers Mark Billingham, Tim Weaver, and John Connolly.
The festival offers over 100 events, including a current affairs panel on the Great Post Office Scandal and a talk from Dr. Bruce Hood, the creator of Bristol University’s popular course, the Science of Happiness. Guided walking tours will uncover Bath’s history during the Second World War and its role in TV dramas and films. Writing workshops and captivating performances by classical musicians and singers will also be part of the festival.
The historic Guildhall in Bath will serve as the festival hub, and visitors can purchase tickets at the pop-up box office inside the Guildhall on both weekends. Alternatively, tickets are available for purchase online.