The Bath Carnival is back for 2025 this weekend (12th July) with its usual line up of live music, free activities, and opportunities to get involved.

With organisers announcing the first wave of live acts set to light up the city this summer, the FREE, community-run festival (in Sydney Gardens) returns bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever, bringing a mix of music, performance, and family-friendly fun to the streets of Bath.

Key Timings:

Party in the Park (Sydney Gardens) 10am – 10pm

Procession 3pm – 5:30pm

After Party (Komedia) 10:30pm – late

Sydney Gardens Headline Performers Announced:

• Laid Blak – Bristol’s legendary reggae and bass pioneers, known for their feel-good fusion of dub, hip-hop and soul
• Dizraeli (DJ/PA set) – Genre-bending poet and MC brings an energetic mix of beats, bars and storytelling to the decks in a one-of-a-kind DJ/live hybrid performance
• N’Famady Kouyaté – A vibrant West African multi-instrumentalist whose high-energy performances blend traditional Mandingue rhythms with funk, jazz and pop
• Malphino – This London-based collective serves up dreamy, tropical-tinged cumbia and cinematic Latin rhythms, creating an otherworldly musical escape
• ADJUA – Welsh-Ghanaian alt-R&B vocalist and guitarist, blending soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics and a rich, genre-defying sound
• Thee Ones – Local ska-funk fusion band 
• Salt Beef Reuben – Bath’s genre-hopping seven-piece band serving up spicy funk, punk, and jazz-fuelled party anthems
• Dusk Art Rhythm Quartet – Instrumental rhythm section performing Hot Buttered Soul, Gnarly New Orleans R&B and Finger Lickin’ Louisiana Blues.

Joining them on the Main Stage is Bath’s own Bacana Funk, a DJ collective specialising in global beats and tropical grooves. Meanwhile, long-time favourites Biggles’ Sound return to curate the Dance Workshop Area, where festivalgoers of all ages can jump into the carnival rhythm.

Fun for All the Family

This year, Bath Carnival is doubling down on family-friendly activities. The event will welcome back the Super Pirates Play Zone — a high-energy, interactive experience packed with giant inflatables, immersive play areas and games.

Back by popular demand, Batari, the life-sized elephant puppet, will be roaming the festival site again after captivating crowds in 2024. There is also a packed programme of free and inclusive workshops, including ukulele sessions, family yoga, and community dance workshops for all ages and abilities.

Championing Young Talent

New for 2025, Bath Carnival is proud to welcome two inspiring community partners:

• The Music Workshop Community Stage – Showcasing an exciting lineup of emerging artists from Bath and the surrounding area, this stage celebrates grassroots talent and homegrown creativity.
• Bath Spa University‘s Emerge Studios at the Holburne Garden – A fresh addition to the festival, this space will feature an eclectic mix of spoken word, live music, creative workshops, and performance art, all highlighting the voices of young and emerging performers.

Official After Party – Komedia, 22:30–Late

The carnival vibes continue into the night at Komedia, home to the official Bath Carnival After Party. With cheap advance tickets, it’s the ultimate way to round off your day.

Kicking things off live on stage are Sambistas, delivering one of the South West’s most explosive samba shows, then it’s over to Bacana Funk residents Beavs and Carlito’s sessions on the decks.

The After Party ticket link can be found here. 

Stu Matson, Bath Carnival Director, said, “This year’s live music lineup truly offers something for everyone. It’s always a challenge to match the energy and quality of previous years, but I believe we’ve done it again—bringing together a dynamic blend of international acts and emerging local talent. It’s vital that Bath Carnival adds something unique to our city’s cultural landscape, and we’re especially proud to showcase a genre-defying mix on the Main Stage this year, from Latin and Caribbean rhythms to New Orleans blues and jazz.

“As a grassroots organisation, we’re very proud to bring this important community event back to the city centre, especially during such challenging times for the arts and cultural sector. Bath Carnival will once again be a powerful moment for the whole city to come together and celebrate.”

Support Your Local Carnival

Bath Carnival is a non-profit event run by and for the local community. If you’d like to help make this year’s event a success, you can make a donation via the LocalGiving page: localgiving.org/charity/bathcarnival

Volunteers needed

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to support the event on the day. Email: enq@bathcarnival.co.uk to find out more.

Pictured above: Revellers at a previous Bath Carnival (Image: Casper Farrell)