Headliners announced for May 2018 Bath Festival, including Robert Plant and Alison Moyet

9 January 2018

Happy New Year from Bath Holiday Rentals! If you’re already planning your festivals for 2018, there’s one big date that you absolutely must put in your calendar. The Bath Festival 2018 is on the way, landing in the city in spring.

When is the Bath Festival 2018?

The festival takes place on 11th-27th May 2018 in venues across the city. It is organised by Bath Festivals, an independent arts company which previously ran the Bath Literature Festival. Since 2017, both this and the Bath International Music Festival were brought together in a brand new multi-arts event – the Bath Festival. This year’s event is an extended one, lasting a huge 17 days in celebration of Bath Festivals’ 70th anniversary.

Headline acts announced

The first of the Bath Festival 2018’s headline acts have now been revealed, including Tears for Fears, Robert Plant and Alison Moyet. Tears for Fears are expected to be one of the highlights of what is set to be a fantastic finale weekend at the Recreation Ground, also known as The Rec, as they are known as one of Bath’s most famous bands returning 27 years after it all began.

Also on the bill for the weekend of 26th-27th May is legendary rock singer and songwriter Robert Plant, best known as the frontman of Led Zeppelin, and special guest Alison Moyet. Commenting on the line-up and the plans for this year, organiser and chief executive of Bath Festivals Ian Stockley told The Bath Chronicle:

“We’re thrilled to be able to extend next year’s 70th anniversary festival from 10 to 17 days with a programme of over 160 vibrant events. We continue to bring international artists, authors and speakers to Bath to perform alongside those starting out on their professional career. This year, we are diversifying the programme content and use of venues, staging events in both our beautiful buildings and outside in the open spaces of our world heritage city. We will create a true festival experience, as we bring the city alive through performances that entertain and engage the wider community.”

Other festival highlights

Fans of the festival can expect a flurry of other line-up announcements for this huge 17-day celebration of the arts, but highlights of the events that have been revealed so far include:

  • Ben Folds and a Piano
  • Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo
  • Lars Vogt – Beethoven Piano Concertos I and II
  • Roddy Doyle – an evening of words and music with the acclaimed novelist at The Assembly Rooms.

When can I buy tickets?

Bath Festival tickets are on sale now from the organisers website, but you’ll need to be quick before the event sells out. Booking your accommodation early is also a top tip as the city is bound to fill up. Bath Holiday Rentals has a huge selection of city centre properties available, from central studio apartments for two to large, luxurious houses perfect for large groups.