Bath’s biggest celebration of free live music is this weekend!

Some 2,000 singers and musicians will play at 39 venues and
it’s completely free to attend.

Stay in one place for the duration, or move from venue to venue to enjoy live performances from much-loved local bands through to emerging talent. There is something for every taste, with 16 genres of music on offer.

Enjoy everything from pop, blues, folk, funk/soul, jazz and blues, and indie/rock through to choral and classical. 

Hear live music at The Forum, Bath Abbey, Komedia, in Parade Gardens, Green Park Station and in many other venues around the city.

Plus... look out for The Natural Theatre Company, who will be wandering as fabulous characters in the City Centre from 6pm - 7pm. 

Plan your night, explore the venues, keep the programme handy and move around Bath with confidence with Party in The City's all-new app! Available to download online

Download the programme and view all venues at partyinthecity.org.uk

Images: Bath Festivals

Recipes

Spring Onion and Mustard Tart

Super-tasty… and super-easy on both the wallet and the kitchen stress levels.

Read online

Discover more of Melissa's recipes on our website

Weekend Wines

Discover Aveleda

In Vinho Verde, northern Portugal, Aveleda produce expressive wines from the best varietals of the region with a focus on low-yields and meticulous quality.

Now in its fifth generation, the business continues to be managed by the Guedes family, who have overseen its growth into one of Portugal’s most important wine producers. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Aveleda specialises in producing Vinho Verde wines and has expanded its reach internationally.

Great Wine Co. recommends:

1. Loureiro Vinho Verde (£13)

2. Solos de Xisto (£21)

3. Alvarinho Vinho Verde (£12.80)

4. Solos de Granito (£21)

greatwine.co.uk

Showcasing a nautical character through carefully considered visual details, the new-generation Rolex Yacht‑Master II in 18ct gold features a bidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic, on which the first half hour is marked out minute by minute.⁠

Explore the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II at mallory-jewellers.com

When twin doctors Dr. Helen and Dr. Kathryn started seeing teenagers and young adults struggling with breakouts in their Somerset clinics, they knew something had to change. Teenage acne wasn't just starting earlier, it was affecting confidence, mental health, and leading to scarring that could have been prevented.

So they created Equals Even, a four-product skincare system built on a simple philosophy: prevention works when it's gentle, consistent, and evidence-based. All products are
dermatologically tested, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and made in Britain.

The Routine
Spot Control Face Wash (£20) : cleanses without stripping the skin barrier
Anti-Blemish Toner (£30) : prevents clogged pores with three gentle AHAs
Spot Control Serum (£35) : targets active breakouts and post-blemish marks
Soothing Repair Serum (£35) : strengthens the skin barrier during treatment

equals-even.com

Avery Row, a sustainable baby & toddler brand, are looking for some lovely mums, babies and children to model for their Christmas Pyjamas collection on the 17th June for roughly half a day near Bath (Batheaston). 

You all must be comfortable in front of the camera. Payment will be a £200 Avery Row voucher per child.

Click here to apply

avery-row.com

As the new series of Rivals hits our small screens, today, Friday 15 May, Bath Literature Festival is holding a special event this weekend in celebration of its creator, Jilly Cooper.

'Is It Too Early For Champagne?' will be a joyous gathering of the late author’s biggest fans, gathered at Bath Guildhall on Saturday evening, 16 May,
to raise a glass in her honour.

Join the fun to celebrate the life and work of the much-loved author and journalist Dame Jilly Cooper, whose many novels have brought joy to millions. 

Leading the fangirl tributes will be author Daisy Buchanan, author, recipe columnist and Jilly Cooper superfan Rukmini Iyer and Kat Brown, journalist, author and founder of the Jilly Cooper fan club. You'll also be able to share our thoughts on the new Rivals series, which has so far received rave reviews.

7.30pm - 8.30pm |  The Guildhall, BA1 5AW | Get your tickets here

5 premium wines to taste from Bordeaux area including right and left bank, different wine style, grapes and winemakers. Exclusive promotions and discounts during the evening.

Price £25 per person | Starts at 6.30pm

5 George Street, Bath BA1 2EJ | 01225 684733

Book tickets via Eventbrite

comptoirpluscuisine.com

Bath Digital Festival 2026 is the platform to allow the innovators, creators and curious minds of our region to come together to showcase, learn, connect and celebrate.

Immerse yourself in a diverse lineup of interactive workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging panels. Get hands-on with cutting-edge technologies, meet the brilliant minds shaping the future, and experience the energy of a true festival.

“Bath Digital Festival provides an amazing platform to showcase the incredible innovations, people and businesses not just in Bath, but the whole of the South West.

It’s a curated, engaging experience across three days, with plenty of opportunities to get involved, share ideas, learn, and meet lots of people working in tech or interested in tech, we’re always inclusive."

techspark.co/bdf-about/

Bath Fringe 2026 returns to the city this year, delivering 130 events across more than 30 venues over 17 days (and a few stragglers). Around a third are free to attend, spanning music, comedy, theatre, cabaret, poetry, storytelling, dance, film, walks, talks and more. Genres range from rock and jazz to experimental and world sounds. Programmed by local people, venues and performers (alongside some international visitors) the programme truly reflects grassroots energy. A parallel 17-day visual arts festival will be running alongside the Fringe, with venues still being finalised.

Also being welcomed to this year’s Fringe is a new group – dubbed Fresh Fringe Family Festival – which is presenting a varied and good value selection of entertainment for families, kids and teens, with events mainly on during the half-term week.

Various venues around Bath | bathfringe.co.uk

Why not try your hand at making your own personal fragrance this spring, and join luxury niche perfume house, Parterre Fragrances, for a creative hands-on session.

Informative and engaging, this half day workshop covers some theory about the olfactive families and perfume fundamentals. Then, working with high quality oils, you will be expertly guided through the process of designing and blending.

By the end of the afternoon you will have a 50ml bottle of perfume to take home and enjoy. £120pp

Upcoming dates: 16 May, 6 June | 2.30pm - 5.30pm

These workshops are held in Great Pulteney Street, central Bath. For further details, information about private workshops and to book go to parterrefragrances.com

Lawrences Auctioneers will be at the Holburne Museum in Bath on Friday 22 May for a free valuation day!

Join from 10am to 2pm where one of the specialists will be happy to help with your items.

10am - 2pm | The Holburne, Great Pulteney St, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DB

lawrences.co.uk

The exhibition showcases a gorgeous mix of textile work using a variety of different techniques. Also some smaller pieces and a wide selection of cards.

Bath Textile Artists started in the 1980’s and was originally based in Bath. Members now come from further afield including Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset.

The work in this exhibition in West Barn, Bradford-on-Avon called “Cloth and Place”, has been freely interpreted with inspiration coming from diverse sources. Some have been inspired by the lovely town of Bradford-on-Avon, its history, the streets and buildings, whilst others have looked further afield for ideas.

Members use textiles in all its forms – silk, cotton, wool, paper – and a variety of different techniques: hand and machine stitching, collage, appliqué, piecing, weaving, felting, pojagi to name a few. A number also paint, dye and print their own textiles.

All of which has led as always to a wonderfully eclectic body of work.

Membership of Bath Textile Artists is by interview. Information about the Group and past, present and future exhibitions can be found at their Website or on Instagram.

10am - 5pm | West Barn Gallery, Pound Lane Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1LF

Bath Textile Artists: bathtextileartists.com

@bath_textile_artists

Colourscape invites visitors of all ages to step inside a vast walk-in labyrinth of glowing colour, where live music and performance unfold around them.

Spanning approximately an acre, this large-scale installation is around three times bigger than the version previously seen in Bath, creating a more expansive and immersive experience for audiences.

11am - 4.10pm | Bath Recreation Ground, Pulteney Mews, Bath, BA2 4DS

batharts.co.uk

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and The American Museum are delighted to welcome back Professor David Olusoga OBE as part of the American Museum & Gardens’ Claridge Lecture Series.

In this landmark anniversary year, he will deliver a custom lecture exploring the history of the Revolution on the anniversary of the Declaration.

This event forms part of the Museum’s year-long America 250 programme, commemorating the anniversary by exploring shared UK–US history and celebrating American arts, artistry and culture.

7pm - 8pm | americanmuseum.org | The Guildhall, High St, Bath BA1 5AW

Four powerhouse musicians, decked out in waistcoats, skinny jeans, and some glorious beards, deliver a folk-rock celebration of Mumford & Sons' unmistakable sound and unstoppable journey to global fame.

Get ready to dance, clap, and holler as this banjo-rocking quartet takes you on a whirlwind ride with all the anthems you love - Little Lion Man, I Will Wait, The Cave, Ghost That We Knew, Delta, Rushmere, Believe, Rubber Band Man, and more - this show is pure festival energy bottled up for an unforgettable night. A stomp, a roar, an irresistible singalong... this is one party you don't want to miss!

8pm | £24 | Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street Bath BA1 1EP

komediabath.co.uk

Where We Are Now features the work of seven local artists: Julia Cobbold, Kate Davies, Beryl Desmond, Teresa Foster, Penny Ives, Christine McKenzie, and Carole Tong.

The very varied etchings, prints, and paintings, attempt to answer the question posed by the title, and reflect each individual artist's thoughts and ideas.

All work is available for sale with one third paid to the RUH

Mon-Sun 8am - 8pm | Art at the Heart of the RUH, Central Gallery (B4 - B8), Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG

Image above: ‘Pink Parasol at Pimento Hill’ by Christine McKenzie

artatruh.org

Botanica Studio, a destination houseplant store in Bath, has revealed plans for its debut Houseplant Studio exhibit for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.

The Hanging Gardens of Botanica will feature in the Malvern Garden Buildings Houseplant Studios and will demonstrate how houseplants and harvested rainwater can work together to emulate the water cycle at home. 

As the world enters global water bankruptcy, Botanica Studio will share its artistic vision for enjoying houseplants while preserving water at London’s world-famous flower show, which is open to the public from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2026.

The Hanging Gardens of Botanica will be situated at site number AR705 in the Malvern Garden Buildings Houseplant Studios at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

botanicastudio.co.uk | @botanicastudio | 17 Union Passage, Bath BA1 1RE

Britain’s butterflies are taking centre stage this summer as Butterfly Conservation launches the first-ever vote to crown the nation’s favourite species.

From the colourful Peacock and Red Admiral to rarer beauties like the Purple Emperor and Duke of Burgundy, nature lovers are being invited to pick their butterfly champion between 15 May and 7 June via a dedicated online vote.

The wildlife charity hopes the campaign will encourage people of all ages to reconnect with nature and celebrate the remarkable variety of butterflies found across the UK. Visitors to the website can also explore fun facts about every species and even discover their own “butterfly personality”.

Julie Williams, Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation, said butterflies hold “a very special place in our hearts”, adding: “From the colourful to the quirky, the common to the elusive, all butterflies are beautiful.”

The vote comes at an important time for conservation. Around 80% of UK butterfly species have declined over the past 50 years due to habitat loss and climate change. However, experts say even spending a few minutes watching butterflies can help people feel more connected to nature — and inspired to protect it.

Voting closes on 7 June, with the winner announced later that month.

Vote for your favourite at: britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk

Saturday will see the return of the Blue, Black and White to The Rec following three games on the road across two competitions.

The occasion marks a 200th run-out for Charlie Ewels in a tremendous achievement for his boyhood club.

Welcoming Stephen Jones’s side from one end of the country to the other, Johann van Graan has named his 23 to take on Newcastle Red Bulls on Saturday afternoon in Round 16 of the Gallagher PREM. Beno Obano and Thomas du Toit will start in the front row, joined by Tom Dunn at hooker who returns to the 23.

Ted Hill shows his versatility to start in the second row. Hill will lock in next to double centurion Ewels. Across the back row, Josh Bayliss will start on the blindside with Guy Pepper on the openside. Miles Reid, who leads the league for his number of jackals, will start at Number 8.

Captaining from scrum-half, Ben Spencer pairs up with Finn Russell for Saturday’s half-back partnership. Cameron Redpath starts in the midfield, accompanied by Chris Harris who takes the 13 jersey. Completing the back line, Henry Arundell and Joe Cokanasiga will start on the wings, seeing Santi Carreras come back into the starting line-up at full back.

Among the replacements, Dan Frost, Francois van Wyk and Vilikesa Sela will provide their impact in the front row. Ross Molony, Sam Underhill and Alfie Barbeary complete Saturday’s impact forwards. Providing cover among the backs, Tom Carr-Smith is named, plus a return to play for Max Ojomoh to complete the 23-man team.

The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 16 May at The Rec. 

The day also marks Foundation Day, highlighting the work Bath Rugby Foundation do in Changing Young Lives across B&NES.

Foundation Day is more than a match - it’s a celebration of community, impact, and ambition. It’s the biggest fundraising day of the season, bringing together Bath Rugby fans, local businesses, and supporters to help change young lives.
Find out more at bathrugbyfoundation.com

bathrugby.com

Kempthorne Lane, Bath

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr Estate Agents

The property is a double fronted mid terrace with ample off street, driveway parking and a level front garden.

Once inside the house, the ground floor offers extended accommodation to include a front facing playroom / study, a utility room, a very well appointed kitchen / dining room opening to the centrally located sitting room and in turn the extension which provides a superb garden room with lantern style roof window.

Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms, ensuite facilities and family bathroom.

Externally the gardens are enclosed to all sides with a generous terrace and ideal for al fresco dining and entertaining.

For more details, more images, a floorplan and to book a
viewing, visit the Cobb Farr website