What’s On

Bath serves as a stage for a packed calendar of events throughout the year, giving you even more reasons to visit this alluring city.

There’s lots for culture vultures. With 160 events spread out over more than two weeks, the multi-arts Bath Festival is the perfect excuse for a longer stay in the city. The huge bill features rock, classical and world music from a host of global performers including Van Morrison, Clean Bandit, ORA Singers, Chineke!, Roger Eno, Mark Kermode and the Dodge Brothers, and Penguin Cafe. For bookworms, there’s also an encyclopaedic literature programme of talks and Q&As from top writers.

And you can immerse yourself in the world of Bath’s most famous literary resident at the Jane Austen Festival, featuring elegant masked balls, walking tours and talks (many staged in locations straight out of Austen’s stories).

There’s more music at Mozartfest and Bachfest, when the cream of the international classical music scene descends on the city for performances of pieces by (of course) Mozart and Bach plus other legendary composers. The venues – including the Assembly Rooms and Bath Abbey – are pretty legendary too.

Indulge your sense of fun at the Bath Comedy Festival, nearly three weeks of shows at venues everywhere in the city. Expect to see comedy legends like Barry Cryer and Paul Merton, plus a host of rising stars.

Get in the festive spirit at our famous Bath Christmas Market. Even the hardest-hearted Scrooge won’t be able to resist this Christmas shopping experience, the most magical in Britain. Browse pretty wooden chalets packed with one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal surprises, plus plenty of warming winter food.

Bath is fizzing with festivals and events 12 months of the year. We’ve only scratched the surface here. Use the events search to find out what’s on and start planning your trip now.