The Bath Festival 2020: Celebrating music and books in a beautiful city
A ten day celebration of music and books, The Bath Festival 2020 programme is packed with inspiring conversations and spectacular performances. As well as featuring some of the world’s most talented writers and musicians, this year’s festival takes place in more beautiful venues than ever before. As a UNESCO world heritage site, you can’t fail to be wowed by Bath’s breathtaking architecture and we’re thrilled to be hosting events in some of the city’s finest spaces. Here are just a few events in stunning spaces to look out for at this year’s festival.
1. Symphony of Sorrowful Songs at The Roman Baths
Cathartic and hauntingly beautiful, Henryk Górecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is an astonishing meditation on loss and transcendence. Performed by Paraorchestra, with acclaimed soprano Victoria Oruwari; Charles Hazlewood conducts this harmonic ‘spiritual minimalist’ composition around the great Roman Baths in this unique and intimate premiere. Find out more
2. Bath Festival Orchestra, Emily Eavis, Alastair Campbell and many more at the Assembly Rooms
One of Bath’s finest Georgian buildings, the Assembly Rooms is the hub of the festival, rich in history, this wonderful building has for centuries been the place to be seen… if only the walls could talk. Events at the Assembly Rooms include Bath Festival Orchestra, Emily Eavis, Alastair Campbell and so many more! Find out more
3. The Gesualdo Six at Bath Abbey
Some of the finest English renaissance polyphony sung in Bath’s stunning Abbey by a vocal group fast becoming internationally celebrated. One of the most iconic buildings in the city, Bath Abbey is currently undergoing exciting renovations as part of the Footprint project. Find out more
4. The Great American Songbook at The Pump Room
One of Britain’s most talented pianists, Tom Poster will play his own arrangements of Gershwin, Kern, Porter and other gems from the Great American Songbook in the surroundings of the historic Pump Room at the Roman Baths. Find out more
5. La Voix Humaine in a Georgian grade one listed residence in Bath
You are invited to a special and intimate drinks party in a Georgian grade one listed residence in Bath. Taking place in a private home in Bath, La Voix Humaine is an opera up-close, immersive and unrestrained. Bookers will receive confirmation of the venue prior to the festival. Find out more
6. Imaginative literature events at Mr B’s Emporium
Embrace the spirit of curiosity with a series of imaginative literature events at Mr B’s Emporium. Arrive early to browse the books before listening to incredible authors speak in what The Guardian called one of the top ten bookshops in the world. Events include Novel Nights, Kiran Milwood Hargrave, Nikita Gill and Mimi Khalvati and Outside the Stereotypes.
7. The Bath Festival Finale Weekend at the Bath Recreation Ground
The Finale Weekend returns for two days of spectacular live music, artisan food, literature and street theatre. Located on the Bath Recreation Ground, the beautiful greenfield site lies in the heart of the city centre and offers Bath’s famous historic architecture and its surrounding green hills. Book now
With over 130 music and books events, there are so many more beautiful spaces and one of a kind experiences to enjoy in this year’s Bath Festival! To browse the full programme, please click here.
