Artists and festival-goers alike have been expressing delight at the return of live arts events, during appearances at The Bath Festival, which opened on the first day out of lockdown.
The festival – which has just come to an end – was one of the first in the UK post lockdown, to stage live events.
Organisers took the brave decision to plan for a live programme of music and books, to take place as soon as government restrictions were lifted on live performances on 17 May. They were able to stage more than 40 events in Bath over eight days, many of them eliciting tears of emotion from artists and audiences alike.
Bath Festivals’ chief executive Ian Stockley said on the closing day of the festival (Monday 24 May): “It has been wonderful to see our audiences return in increasing numbers through the festival week as concerns about attending turned visibly into relaxation and pleasure as live events inspired and reminded us of the positive impact that the arts and live performance has on our lives.
The joy in the performers and speakers, as they experienced a live audience’s response and engagement once again, has made the obstacles we have had to knock down to reach this point and deliver the festival absolutely worth it.”
Audiences were undeterred by having to adhere to social distancing rules, including wearing masks throughout each event. Their applause was heartfelt and the comments warm and positive.
The Bath Festival is also offering its audience the chance to enjoy highlights from the May 2021 festival of music and books with The Bath Festival At Home, a digital broadcast for people to watch at home from Friday 28 May to Friday 11 June. This will be a mix of filmed live events and podcasts from the festival.
Each of the At Home events will be introduced by presenter and writer Francesca Beauman. These short films will include highlights of Bath, showcasing the city for a global audience. All events in The Bath Festival at Home are FREE to watch but please consider donating to Bath Festivals, a registered charity. All donations will support future festivals and creative learning projects with young people in the local community.
From Friday 28 May watch The Bath Festival At Home at: https://bit.ly/3oKWBWJ
Tickets are available for Bath Festival Finale Weekend, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August.
This family-friendly two-day festival takes place in the heart of Bath, on Bath Recreation ground.
Bath Festivals and music promoters Orchard Live present headliners McFly, Scouting for Girls, Billy Ocean and UB40. The line-up also includes, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Seth Lakeman. Tickets are available from Bath Box Office or Ticketmaster, for single days or for a full weekend ticket.
The Bath Festival social media
Facebook: /TheBathFestival
Twitter: @TheBathFestival
Instagram: @TheBathFestival
