We popped into the Roman Baths last night.
Let me say, straightaway, it is not the first time I have visited the city’s premier attraction.
I go way back to the days when l was presenting an HTV West series on the city’s architectural history, which involved delivering a ‘piece to camera’ while up to my neck in the steaming waters of the King’s Bath – the Roman’s original sacred spring.
But last night l found a different crowd exploring the remains of this two-thousand-year-old marvel – the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world.
The people of Roman Britain came here to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs, which still flow with hot water today.
In its heyday, the complex was roofed and attached to a temple, dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva.
It would have been full of people chattering, laughing and probably listening to music and song. They had plenty of string and wind instruments to choose from.
Back to the present, and what made last night so different, was that we were surrounded by music, provided with a well-stocked bar and able to sit and relax and talk around the torch-lit Great Bath.
That’s after touring the amazing museum complex and without the usual crowded and timed entry experienced during each busy day.
I do believe that heritage should pay – where it can – for its keep. Maintenance costs are high and, extra monies, can go towards further improvements to the site to enable more people to enjoy and appreciate just how wonderful this relic of the past is.
This was the second night of what is being promoted as the museum’s Summer Lates – an ‘after-hours’ summer evening event that invites you to relax, unwind and soak up the historic atmosphere of The Roman Baths.
Reading the blurb, we hear:
“As the sun sets, you’ll explore the ancient stones and shimmering waters by torchlight, relax with a drink from the bar, discover the untold stories of the Baths on a guided tour (£6), and create unforgettable memories.
And with NEW live music sessions Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and August Bank Holiday Monday included in your entry ticket, this promises to be one of our most unforgettable Summer Lates seasons yet!
The city’s Park & Ride services now run until 11:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) — perfect for pairing with a visit to our Summer Lates.”
I have to say the atmosphere was inviting and the company convivial. People were sitting around chatting to each other, sipping sparkling wine, and there was hardly a smartphone in sight.
The museum has managed to temporarily wire the Great Bath up for surround sound in a safe and non-invasive way. Cables are not an obstacle.
Ours was a VINYL DJS night with Veto and Buckley (Bacana Funk), but on Sundays, throughout August, there is live music. Tonight – the 27th – it’s John Smith and Hushwing.
There is a late opening every night of the week during August. Monday to Thursday, the baths are open until 8 pm – last entry 7 pm. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday open until 10 pm with last entry at 9 pm.
Music sessions beside the Great Bath from 5.30 to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information and to book tickets ROMANBATHS.CO.UK
Summer Lates is an idea the museum is trying out to see if it works. Music-wise, who knows where they could go? Choral, opera – even an Indian-themed night with sitar, tabla and sarangi?
Don’t forget, fellow Bathonian,s that this ancient site is yours to visit for free if you hold a Discovery Card. They cost nothing and are so worth having and give you complimentary access to the Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery.
Take a look at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-for-discovery-card
I wish the Roman Baths well for the rest of this experimental Summer Lates month and hope it is an idea they will develop further. Benediximus guys – that’s ‘good luck’ in Latin.
