To celebrate the reopening of Bath following the COVID-19 lockdown, Bath Business Improvement District (BID) launched an exciting art competition. Hundreds of entries were whittled down to a shortlist, which is now on display throughout the city in a giant bunting display – but it’s only up until the end of August if you want to see it!

Rediscover Bath

The competition was launched in July by Bath BID in partnership with Bounce Back Bath and Minuteman Press Bath. Entry was open to anyone living or working in Bath or North East Somerset, with artists entering into one of three categories – Under 10, Under 21 and Over 21. 

The theme of the competition is Rediscover Bath, with keen and budding artists invited to create pieces of art inspired by what they love most about Bath. It’s all part of efforts to celebrate the city and whip up excitement about Bath bouncing back after the coronavirus crisis.

Entrants were asked to create artwork that fit into a triangular shape, so that shortlisted designs could be reproduced and printed by Minuteman Press as giant, two-metre long bunting displays. Competition judges whittled down the entries to just 48 colourful and creative designs, featuring Bath icons including Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, Jane Austen – and plenty of hot air balloons. 

This rainbow of art bunting is now on display in the city centre for all to see, but it will only be exhibited throughout August. This means you’ll need to hurry if you want to see it! Get in touch to find out about last minute availability for self-catering apartments in Bath this summer. 

The CEO of Bath BID, Allison Herbert, told the Bath Echo:

“We are so pleased to see the city coming back to life after a very tough few months. This is just one of a number of safe, socially distant, joyful events celebrating the creativity of the people of Bath.

“We can’t wait for people to come along and see their artwork on display. We are excited to be flying these bright, cheerful flags high in the streets of Bath, welcoming people back to the city and celebrating all that is brilliant about Bath.”

Where to find Bath Bunting Parade artworks in the city

There are three key areas in Bath to spot the 48 shortlisted artworks in the Bath Bunting Parade:

• Southgate Street
• Brunel Square
• Churchill Bridge.

But you can also see all of the entries together in a fantastic window display at 24 New Bond Street, which is within a stone’s throw of our Queen’s View apartment – so make sure you stop by if you’re staying there! You can also see all of the entries on the Bath BID website. 

Vote for your favourite artwork

Not only can you enjoy the sight of the colourful, celebratory bunting lining the streets of Bath and flapping cheerfully in the breeze, but you can also vote for your favourite one. Members of the public can cast their vote at the Bath BID website, and the winning artists with the most votes will receive a Bath Gift Card to spend at one of 200 local businesses.