Are you ready for Bath’s big weekend of festival fun?

26 May 2017

Hardly a weekend goes by in buzzing Bath without a festival or special event of some kind taking place. The city regularly hosts everything from the Bath International Music Festival to the Bath Festival of Motoring – the latter coming up on 17th and 18th June 2017.

However, at the start of summer the city is home to no less than three fantastic festivals all in one exciting weekend. Residents and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating 9th -11th June, when the Bath World Gin Day, Bath Boules and the colourful Rathyatra Hindu street festival will bring the streets of the city to life. Here’s a quick look at each – so start planning your itinerary now!

Bath’s World Gin Day – Saturday 10th June 2017

The city is a mecca for gin lovers, being the home of the famous Bath Gin Company and with virtually every cocktail bar in Bath offering a plethora of delicious gin-based concoctions. The city’s love for gin reaches new heights on Saturday 10 th June, celebrating World Gin Day 2017 with a street party hosted by the Bath Gin Company itself. There’ll be lots of chances to sample cocktails, gin drinks and let your hair down on what will hopefully be a gloriously sunny summer day. The company, which owns the Canary Gin Bar on Queen Street where the party will be based, is even making a special gin for the occasion featuring a cheeky ‘Gin’ Austen!

Bath Boules – Friday 9th June to Sunday 11th June

If gin isn’t your cup of tea, head over to Queen Square to enjoy a more unusual celebration – Bath Boules. There will of course be plenty of games of boules taking place, but the rest of the event isn’t quite what you’d expect. It’s another street party featuring a street food market, BBQ, live music and even a champagne garden area, plus face painting and plenty of other fun for the kids. Even if you’re not a boules fan, this is a fabulous event for everyone to enjoy. And it lasts all weekend long!

Rathyatra Hindu street festival – Sunday 11th June

At 1pm on Sunday 11th June, the streets of Bath will be transformed with a colourful celebration of Hindu culture as the Rathyatra festival begins. It all starts with a procession from Midland Road, moving through the streets all the way to Royal Avenue. Expect singing, dancing, chanting and plenty of stunning colours, and you may even see a gorgeously decorated chariot or two.

Where to stay for Bath’s big weekend

As you’d expect, this is set to be an extremely busy weekend in Bath. If you’re planning to visit, now

is the time to get your accommodation sorted before the city starts to fill up. Bath Holiday Rentals
has the perfect property for your weekend getaway, with many such as Gay Street House and the
elegant Hot Bath apartment being located in the heart of the city and close to much of the action.