[Bath Rugby 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership Champions Victory Parade on June 15 in Bath]
Wow, what a summer of sunshine and celebrations! Everything from Robbie Williams to Bath Rugby’s success.
According to B&NES, the city welcomed more than 190,000 people to 25 notable events – and the excitement is set to continue for the rest of 2025.
After a sensational summer with highlights including the Robbie Williams concerts at the Royal Crescent, Keynsham Music Festival and the Bath Rugby Victory Parade, a standout event for the autumn is the Jane Austen Festival 250th celebrations in September, which include a Regency wedding ceremony for the winners of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s unique competition.
The Bath Autumn Fayre will bring street food and live entertainment to the city from October 3 to October 5, and Bath Oktoberfest returns to Royal Victoria Park with live Oompah bands, traditional karaoke and axe-throwing from October 24 to October 26.
The Midsomer Norton Illuminated Carnival on November 10 brings the community together for an evening of glittering spectacle, including a procession of 30m long light-encrusted carts.
Plenty of festive cheer beckons at the iconic Bath Christmas Market, which returns for its 25th anniversary event from November 27 to December 14, transforming the city centre into a winter wonderland with twinkling chalets, unique gifts and gourmet food and drink.
An estimated 444,000 visitors visited the 2024 Bath Christmas Market, which created a £60.4m turnover for businesses, supported more than 500 jobs and saw a £48.9m associated spend in the city.
Meanwhile, the Keynsham Winter Festival on November 29 will see more Christmas market stalls, local entertainers and free family activities bringing the high street to life.
The council supports holders of outdoor events with step-by-step advice on how the process works and how to get the licences and permissions needed.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Communications and Community, said: “The energy and enthusiasm shown by hundreds of thousands of people for our summer events schedule has been unmatched – and there’s much more to come this autumn and winter. From lovers of literature to foodies and festive shoppers, there really is something for everyone.
“Bath and North East Somerset is a fantastic area for events of any size, and our brilliant Events team is here to guide event holders through the planning and delivery stages, one step at a time.
“We want to thank our communities for their patience and support during busy periods as we work to support the fantastic events our area attracts. Your cooperation helps make these events happen and enriches the culture of our city and towns.”
Anyone wishing to hold an event in B&NES can find out more about the process on the events webpage
The highlight for me which does not get a mention isThe Bath Mozart Festival in Nov . Every year for the last 35 years it has attracted World recognised artists led by Artistic Director Amelia Freeman who retires this year .
Sadly, Amelia Freedman died this summer (in her mid-eighties), having done so much to bring great performances to Bath.