Bath Festival plans diverse schedule as it celebrates 70 years

Bath’s flagship multi-arts event, The Bath Festival, starts on 11 May and will feature more than 180 events over 17 days, bringing together some of the world’s leading writers, musicians and cultural figures.

Set against a backdrop of Bath’s “iconic” buildings and city streets, the programme has been extended especially to mark the 70th anniversary of Bath Festivals and is, according to the event’s organisers, sure to “engage and entertain audiences of all ages.”

John Cullum DL, chair of Bath Festivals, said: “The diverse range of events on offer will stimulate, uplift, delight and most importantly entertain the people of Bath and beyond. This year’s festival includes critically acclaimed authors and musicians, international artists and emerging talent from the world stage, as well as performances by local bands, community groups and schools.”

Well known rock and pop bands, as well as classical, jazz and folk music, will be heard alongside contemporary fiction, intelligent debate, science, history, politics and poetry, with concerts, discussions and collaborations and many free events across the city.

With such a varied mix of planned events on the cards, artistic directors Alex Clark, David Jones and James Waters claim they are hoping audiences will not only enjoy performances but also be “able to exchange and discuss ideas as well as take time to listen to one another.”

Planned acts include Punk cabaret singer Amanda Palmer, outspoken politician Andrew Adonis, and singer and mental health advocate Professor Green.

Tickets for events are currently on sale can be purchased on the website www.thebathfestival.org.uk or by calling Bath Box Office on 01225 463362.