A rare opportunity to meet a bestselling author and enjoy a torch lit evening of music from across the ages is on offer at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Heritage attractions as part of Museums at Night celebrations this May.
Historical novelist Lindsey Davis is best known for “The Course of Honour”, the true story of the Emperor Vespasian and his mistress Caenis, and for her twenty volume mystery series featuring Roman detective, Falco.
The award-winning author will talk about her writing career and exploring the Rome of the Emperors at a special event held in The Pump Room on Friday 16 May (from 7pm to 8pm). She will also be signing copies of her new book –“Enemies at Home”.
Limited tickets are available through Bath Box Office on 01225 463362 at £10 for Discovery Card holders and £15 for everyone else (ticket includes a glass of wine or soft drink and admission to a special music event straight after at the Roman Baths).
Resident Discovery Card holders are welcome to just relax for free with the Roman Baths’ musical tour through history – featuring early music on an ancient lyre, and sophisticated swing music of the 1930s and 1940s – on Friday 16 May, from 8pm to 10pm (last entry 9pm).
The enchanting music performances take place around the magnificent setting of the 2,000-year-old Roman Baths – illuminated by the light of flickering torches. Enjoy music played on a replica ancient lyre at the Temple Pediment by Michael Levy, one of the leading early musicians in the country, who said: “I look forward to performing once more, at the most awesomely evocative venue for live lyre music I could ever hope to perform at!”
In addition local group “The Lambeth Swing” will perform 30s and 40s era swing music by the side of the Great Bath during the evening. There will also be a bar serving drinks alongside the Great Bath.
Councillor Ben Stevens (Lib-Dem, Widcombe), Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: “With its steaming waters and Roman artefacts, the Roman Baths is a truly magical place to visit at nightfall. Bath & North East Somerset Council is pleased to offer this wonderful experience for people to enjoy and learn more about this magnificent piece of history.
“So take the opportunity to explore the Roman Baths in different ways and enjoy music from ancient Rome right at the heart of the archaeological site. Also sit back by the Great Bath with a drink and listen to swing music from a local group who always create a great atmosphere.”
The Council-run Victoria Art Gallery will be getting the evening going with swing performances by Bath musicians against a backdrop of fabulous paintings by local artists. This free event runs from 6pm to 8pm on Friday 16 May.
As part of Museums at Night 2014, hundreds of museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage sites across the country will unlock their doors for special evening events from Thursday 15 to Saturday 17 May. For more details of the events taking place locally, visit http://www.museumsatnight.org.uk.
