Bath events: What to look forward to in 2019
The days are getting longer and spring is finally creeping around the corner so as we all start to emerge from hibernation, let’s have a look at the biggest and best Bath events awaiting us in 2019.
Despite its small size, Bath really punches above its weight when it comes to hosting cultural and sporting events from celebrations of music, art and comedy to history, food and fashion.
With several theatre and live arts venues, dozens of museums and galleries, two universities, a premiership rugby club and countless wonderful restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs all sitting among thousands of years of history, it is no surprise that Bath has a busy cultural calendar all year round – and 2019 is no exception.
So, if you are planning to visit Bath this year, get out your diary and have a read.
Here is our round up of the best Bath events to look forward to in 2019:
The Bath Half Marathon, Sunday, 17th March, 2019
One of the most popular city runs in the UK, the Bath Half Marathon sees 15,000 runners pacing through the historic city streets cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. With pubs, loud speakers and samba bands lining the course, there is a real party atmosphere on Bath Half day with everyone throwing their support behind the runners. More than £2.25 million was raised for charity in 2017, when the event last took place.
For those wanting to take part in the race itself, this year’s imminent event is sold out but you could join the runners next year by heading to the Bath Half website for updates.
Bath Comedy Festival, Tuesday, 26th March to Sunday, 14th April, 2019
Taking place over two and a half weeks at venues all over the city, Bath Comedy Festival seems to get bigger and better every year. This year will showcase an entertaining mix of household names such as Rory Bremner and Julian Clary, acclaimed talents such as Susan Murray and Tracey Collins and rising stars like Dorian Wainwright and Sally-Anne Hayward.
The popular New Act Competition, which last year saw 120 contenders battle it out for laughs, runs over 12 heats which are all free to enjoy.
The Bath Festival, Friday, 17th May to Sunday, 26th May, 2019 and Saturday 1st to Sunday 2nd June
Running over 11 days in May with a grand finale weekend in June, The Bath Festival brings the streets of Bath to life with a diverse celebration of music and literature designed to engage the wider community. Traditionally the festival opens with the ‘Party in the City’ when parks and venues across Bath host live bands and solo artists throughout the evening for everyone to enjoy. The programme then showcases an amazingly rich array of world famous musicians, writers and cultural figures.
This year the festival has been extended with a grand finale weekend in June which will see Grammy award-winning chart toppers Clean Bandit and legendary singer songwriter Van Morrison take to the stage at the Bath Recreation Ground. Tickets available here.
This year’s full festival line-up has not yet been revealed so sign up via the Bath Festival website for updates.
Bath Fringe, Friday 24th May to Sunday 9th June, 2019
Running in parallel to Bath Festival, this independent fringe event has been going for nearly three decades and developed ideas and artforms, many of which have since been adopted by the mainstream. Affordable art, spoken word, standup comedy, cabaret, physical theatre, circus arts and every style of music imaginable have all been celebrated at the Bath Fringe which has played host to performers including Arthur Smith, Barry Cryer and the late Jeremy Hardy.
This year’s programme has yet to be announced but head to the Bath Fringe website to sign up to the mailing list and be the first to hear what’s on in 2019.
Fringe Arts Bath Festival, Friday, 24th May to Sunday, 9th June, 2019
A visual arts off-shoot of Bath Fringe, this fringe arts event features a varied programme of art exhibitions, events and workshops in unexpected locations such as empty shops and around the streets of the city.
Run by artists and volunteers, the festival aims to raise the profile of contemporary visual arts in Bath, showcase young and emerging artists, and put art in unusual places in unexpected ways for people to admire and interact with. Go to the Fringe Arts Bath website to find out more.
Pub in the Park at Victoria Park, Friday, 21st June to Sunday, 23rd June, 2019
After great success of last year’s inaugural event, celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s food and music bonanza is returning to Victoria Park.
Gastro-pub king Tom Kerridge has promised an even ‘bigger and better’ event in 2019, with more live music, food and shopping. Expect a stellar line up of world-class chefs, pop-up Michelin-starred pubs and top UK restaurants all serving up mouth-watering menus and hosting cooking demos and workshops to a backdrop of great bands and DJ including Basement Jaxx and Texas. You can find out more about the event and the line-up here.
Bath Carnival, Saturday, 13th July, 2019
Keep Saturday 13thst July free because you won’t want to miss out on the vibrant procession that parades through the streets the city during Bath Carnival. This year’s theme is yet to be announced but you can expect another year of wonderfully flamboyant and colourful costumes and amazing music celebrates worldwide cultures.
Panda Sanctuaries is a proud sponsor of the event which bring the whole community together, engaging schools, charities and vulnerable adults within the arts. And if you’re really lucky, you may even spot some dancing Panda’s among the parade!
Bath Carnival organisers arrange a series of events and creative workshops in the run up to the day itself, so check the website to find out how you could get involved.
Jane Austen Festival, Friday, 13th September to Tuesday, 22nd September, 2019
One of Bath’s best known and best loved annual events, the Jane Austen Festival celebrates the novelist herself and her strong association with the city where she lived and set two of her famous novels. With around 80 events over nine days including theatricals, food tasting and a ball, this festival allows Austen fans to really immerse themselves in the history of the 1800’s. Visitors have the opportunity to dress like a local from the era and enjoy the world-famous Grand Regency Costumed Promenade and Regency Costumed Masked Ball with its drinks reception around the Roman Baths and dancing in the historic Pump Rooms.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival, Friday, 27th September to Sunday, 6th October 6 2019
The largest event of its kind in Europe, the Bath Children’s Literature Festival never disappoints with a fantastic array of talks and activities for children. The artistic directors, John and Gill McLay, lay on a world-class line up of children’s authors, ensuring fun and laughter throughout. Kids get the chance to meet the writers behind their literary heroes, and see illustrations come to life, inspiring their own creativity.
This year’s line up has not yet been announced but past stars have included Philip Pullman, David Walliams and Cressida Cowell. Head to the Bath Children’s Literature Festival website to stay up to date.
Get involved!
All Panda Sanctuaries’ Bath self catering accommodation is conveniently located within a 10 to 15 minute stroll of the city centre which makes it an ideal base from which to enjoy the many wonderful events on offer throughout 2019 so come and pay us a visit.
If you want advice on getting tickets, travelling to and from the events and the best of our properties to choose for your needs, get in touch.
