Saturday’s civic ceremonial

[ An image from a previous civic ceremony with Terry Mitchell – a long-serving mayor’s officer – leading the way]

It’s Mayor Making time again, and this year’s ceremony at Bath Abbey on Saturday is going to be a little unusual as there is no currently serving Mayor to hand over to the next office incumbent.

Since the resignation of Dr Cllr Bharat Pankhania three months ago, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Ian Halsall, has taken over his duties as ‘acting mayor’ of Bath.

This year’s ceremony, starting at 11 am, is part of the annual meeting of the Charter Trustees, who are made up of all the Bath Ward councillors. Everyone is welcome to attend, and there is no entry charge. It’s a chance to witness a little bit of local civic ceremonial.

Councillor Ruth Malloy will take up the role as 799th Mayor of Bath.   She was first elected as a Liberal Democrat Bath & North East Somerset Councillor in 2019, representing Weston Ward, and re-elected for a second term in 2023.  She was Deputy Mayor in 2024/25. 

She is interested in local history, World Heritage matters, international relations, and cultural life – especially libraries and museums.

Ruth’s younger daughter, Lydia Malloy, who is studying Acoustical Engineering at Southampton University, will support her as Mayoress during the year. 

Councillor Onkar Saini will be Deputy Mayor of the City.  He was elected to represent residents in Combe Down Ward in 2023 and is also a Liberal Democrat.  He takes great pride in contributing to the City’s civic and community life and helping ensure Bath remains a welcoming and vibrant place for all. 

His working background is in Computer Applications and International Business.  Professionally, Onkar works across the South West of England in the retail and property management sector.

Onkar is married to Priya Kumari, who will be Deputy Mayoress.

A Civic Procession to the Abbey will be led by the 93 (City of Bath) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Marching Band, followed by the City Sword-Bearer, Mace-Bearers, dignitaries, visiting Mayors, Charter Trustees and Honorary Aldermen in ceremonial robes, and will leave the Guildhall at approximately 10.45 am.  

The Avon Fire & Rescue Service Ceremonial Drill Squad will form a Guard of Honour.   The Procession will return to the Guildhall at approximately 12 noon.

The City of Bath Brass Band will play as the Procession is entering the Abbey, and also during the short interval, when the civic robes, collars, and Collars and Badges of Office are exchanged.  

Traffic will be stopped for a short time by stewards at the pedestrian crossing near the Abbey to allow the Procession to make its way down the High Street, Cheap Street, into Farr’s Passage and the Abbey Church Yard, and again on its return.