WHAT’S ON

What’s on in July

Creating Carmen at Ham Farm Festival

ARTISTS’ SHOWCASE Throughout July

n Out of the Blue Gallery, 6 Upper Borough

Walls, Bath

A beautiful new gallery right in the heart of Bath is showcasing some of the best British artists and ceramicists. Set across two floors, the gallery is packed with great pieces. Look out for must-see exhibitions arriving at the gallery soon. outofthebluegallery.com

SUMMER SUNDAYS Throughout July

n Various venues and locations in Bath Bath is open and ready to welcome you back this summer. Head into the city this month for Summer Sundays –a programme of entertainment, events and activities for all the family. Discover a plethora of pop-up entertainment around the city centre including performances from Jane Austen dancers and samba bands; free face painting; arts and crafts workshops and plenty more. welcometobath.co.uk/summer-sundays

UNLOCKING YOUR ANCESTORY WITH DNA 1 July

n Online by U3A U3A in Bath is an organisation for retired people who want to find purposeful activity, enjoyment and companionship. It is an organisation fully driven by its members who, for a nominal fee are able to participate in a range of activities from the purely educational to the recreational. The only criterion for joining is that of being retired. This month, u3a is running a public lecture entitled Unlocking Your Ancestory with DNA. Visit the website for times and updates. u3ainbath.org.uk The Woman in Black visits the Theatre Royal Bath. Photo by Tristram Kenton

JESS GILLAM AND BATH PHILHARMONIA 1 July, 7.30pm

n The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, Bath Bath Philharmonia and phenomenal saxophonist Jess Gillam present a programme of English pastoral music full of light and hope for a summer’s evening. Performing music from her latest album, TIME, Jess is passionate about inspiring and bringing joy to people through music and has continued to do so throughout the pandemic. From Elgar’s Serenade for Strings to Luke Howard’s evocative Dappled Light, this concert will warm your soul and refresh your spirit. bathphil.co.uk

FROME FESTIVAL 2–11 July, various times

n Various venues in and around Frome The Frome Festival is welcoming big comedy talent, Reginald D. Hunter –the Americanborn star of stand-up –to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Hunter will appear at the Memorial Theatre on 9 July, supported by Jarred Christmas. Look out for performances by top-class rock, jazz and fusion artists like Jonny and the Baptists along with cult comedians Paul Foot and George Egg. Marston Lakes (an elegant glamping site), will also be opening its gates to the festival for the first time and the highly popular art trail will be up and running as always. fromefestival.co.uk

THE WOMAN IN BLACK 5–10 July, various times

n Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath Continuing its record-breaking run at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End, The Woman in Black returns to Bath as part of a major UK Tour. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story comes dramatically alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation. This gripping production, directed by Robin Herford, is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror. theatreroyal.org.uk

VENETIAN WATER LEVELS, ALGAE BELTS… AND CANALETTO? 8 July, 7–7.45pm

n Online, run by The Holburne Museum What can 18th-century paintings tell us about modern-day Venice? What information can be extracted from past depictions of the city in order to understand its present? In this 45-minute fascinating talk Professor Dario Camuffo will explore how Canaletto paintings have contributed to the study of the changes to the average sea level in Venice since the 1700s. holburne.org

MELVYN TAN AND BATH PHILHARMONIA 8 July, 7.30pm

n The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, Bath Bath Philharmonia and pianist Melvyn Tan, one of the world’s most critically acclaimed Mozart interpreters, present a unique double bill of two of the greatest piano concertos every written. From the intimacy and fragility of Piano Concerto No. 23 to the sublime beauty of Piano Concerto No. 21 (widely known as the Elvira Madigan Concerto), this poignant concert will let your mind soar and capture your heart. bathphil.co.uk

NOVEL WINES WINE-TASTING 8, 22 and 18 July

n 7 Cork Place, Bath Come and enjoy wine, cider and spirit tasting events throughout July. Held in the

Jess Gillam Photo by Robin-Clewley

secret garden at 7 Cork Place, guests can enjoy a furmint wine and cheese tasting on 8 July; a summer wines with cheese pairing event on 22 July; and an evening of gin tasting on 29 July. Guests should arrive at 6pm, with the tasting running from 6.15pm to 8pm. Tickets cost £25 and are limited to 12 guests due to social distancing restrictions, so booking in advance is essential. 18+. novelwines.co.uk

LAWRENCES AUCTIONEERS 20–23 and 30 July

n Bath and Bristol Lawrences Auctioneers are running free home visits on 30 July from 9am –5pm. Valuer Andy Sagar will be available to value your objects and antiques throughout Bath and Bristol. The auctioneers are also welcoming consignments for their summer auctions, which are set to take place from 20–23 July. lawrences.co.uk

TORCHLIT SUMMER EVENINGS From 23 July, open until 10pm

n The Roman Baths The Roman Baths will stay open until 10pm every evening this summer, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the special atmosphere around the torchlit Great Bath. There will also be a pop-up bar beside the Great Bath selling champagne, prosecco, soft drinks and ice cream. Last admission at 9pm. romanbaths.co.uk

THE WINTER’S TALE 5–10 July, various times

n Cleeve House, Seend, SN12 6PG Melvyn Tan

This searing tale of marital jealousy is tempered by a fairy-tale fourth act and a happy ending, as a new generation find reconciliation and hope for the future. Among the serious themes, there is plenty of laughter, music, romance and escapism. In their 32nd year, Shakespeare Live are experts at creating fantastic outdoor shows. Saturday night is also hosting a gala with extra entertainment. Guests are encouraged to picnic before the show in the beautiful gardens with their spectacular views of Salisbury Plain. shakespearelive.com

SAVING BRITNEY 23–24 July, 8pm

n Rondo Theatre, St. Saviours Road, Bath A treat for millennials who grew up with Britney Spears. Over the course of an hour see how the Princess of Pop influenced Jean’s life and how the connections shared between them lead to an unbelievable moment of self-discovery. Presented by Fake Escape –David Shopland with Shereen Roushbaiani –and inspired by the #FreeBritney movement, Saving Britney is a hilarious and heartbreaking look at celebrity obsession, sexuality and growing up in the early noughties. Tickets cost £14, concs £12. rondotheatre.co.uk

CREATING CARMEN 25–28 July

n Ham Farm Festival, Mangotsfield Ham Farm Festival –a true community music festival –is welcoming music lovers to its half-acre garden. On 25 July, look out for Creating Carmen –a concert-play with Spanish music by CarmenCo trio. The plot: Prosper Mérimée is struggling with his latest novella when his leading character, Carmen, appears in his study, larger than life, with a band of musicians in tow and chaos in her wake. This is a fun-filled evening of fantasy, comedy and tremendous Spanish music. Booking in advance recommended. hamfarmfestival.com

MY KID COULD’VE DONE THAT! From 26 July

n The Edge, University of Bath Putting this often loudly and exasperatedly expressed opinion to the test, the Holburne Museum is bravely staging an exhibition of brand-new work by fifteen contemporary artists and their children, which then invites art lovers to determine just who created the work on display. The museum’s contemporary art curator Will Cooper came up with the show’s concept and his co-curator is his five-year-old daughter Astrid. edgearts.org

FINE ART AND ANTIQUES SALE 27 July

n Aldridges of Bath, Lower Bristol Road,

Twerton, Bath

Aldridges of Bath –an auction house founded in 1740 –is running a fine art and antiques sale which will include silver, jewellery, porcelain and glass, oil paintings, watercolours and prints, European and Asian works-of-art, bronzes and metalware, clocks and barometers, antique furniture and furnishings. aldridgesofbath.com n

Bath Festivals Finale weekend

BELOW, from left: McFly, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Scouting for Girls

Live music all weekend

Get ready to party as The Bath Festival’s long-awaited Finale Weekend on the Rec in the heart of Bath takes place over the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August. There will be live music to appeal to all ages, from the infectious smash hits of chart-toppers McFly to the New York City vibes of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and the sunshine disco hits of Billy Ocean.

The west country music scene will be well represented with some of the finest local acts appearing on the Main Stage and on the City Stage, which will feature a combination of local talent and rising stars from across the UK.

The good news for existing ticket holders –who bought tickets for the 2020 festival –is that their tickets will be automatically transferred to the new date. Many of the big name acts are including the Bath gig as part of their long-anticipated UK tours, which will be a treat for local fans.

The two-day Finale Weekend is the ideal introduction to the festival experience for the whole family. You can buy tickets for one day or for the whole weekend. This beautiful green field site lies in the heart of historic Bath, just a ten-minute walk from the train and bus stations and park and ride bus stops. With the coloured banners fluttering in the breeze, the main stage set up and the various stalls selling all kinds of enticing food, you and your kids will be excited as soon as you arrive on site.

The Finale Weekend has a dedicated Kids Zone with equipment to play on and a team of professional entertainers to keep even the tiniest children happy. Older kids will enjoy the chance to enjoy the acts on the City Stage – there are loads of opportunities for selfies! When it comes to food, there is a range of artisan food and drink catering for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. There will also be professionally run bars offering a range of drinks, including beer and cider and of course a decent cup of coffee.

Saturday 7 August

n MCFLY

Topping the bill, Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry will bring their own brand of festival Happiness to Bath

n SCOUTING FOR GIRLS

Expect to hear the strains of She’s So Lovely as this party band hits the stage

n GABRIELLE

Currently riding high in the charts with her album Do It Again Gabrielle brings her beautiful distinctive voice to the Main Stage

n LAURAN HIBBERD and JOSH GRAY

Two solo artists and rising stars

n NOVACUB

London four-piece outfit

n DESSIE MAGEE AND HIS BAND

Winner of last year’s Bath Introduces competition

n UB40 FEATURING ALI CAMPBELL

AND ASTRO The legendary reggae band bring their classic music spirit to the stage

Sunday 8 August

n BILLY OCEAN

The British soul singer with classics such as When the Going Gets Tough

n SETH LAKEMAN

Expect a high energy set from the talented west country folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist

n FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS

New York’s trio featuring Bath-based frontman Huey Morgan

n TWINNIE

English singer-songwriter and actress

n BLOCO B

This samba group from Bristol specialise in the carnival spirit

n HANNAH GRACE AND CASEY

LOWRY Try out the sounds of these two solo artists

n PORT ERIN

Wiltshire based indie trio

n LIFE IN MONO

The grunge-influenced band, fronted by Sarah Clayton

The comedy is back

Alistair Barrie on stage at a recent Bath Comedy Club show

Bath Comedy presents Permission To Laugh, a 16-day festival of live comedy from 16–31 July

We’re allowed to laugh once more, and what better way to celebrate than to enjoy two weeks of top-notch live shows curated by Bath Comedy? Director Nick Steel says “We’ve tried to honour as many shows from the 2020 festival-that-never-was as possible, including some big names, alongside solo shows from up-and-coming comics and a competition to find the stars of tomorrow.”

Stand-up and stand-out highlights at Widcombe Social Club include a work-in-progress show from ‘German Comedy Ambassador’ Henning Wehn, a by-all-accounts astounding show from Simon Evans (the content of which is a closely guarded secret!), and a rehearsed reading of a play telling the compelling story behind the invention of Monopoly,with Nick Helm, Tom Stade, Jen Brister, Ria Lina, David Mills and Alyson June-Smith, followed by a stand-up gang show with all the cast.

There’s a unique crossover musical comedy treat in the shape of Ian Shaw, who explores the thrills, horrors and hashtags of living in the modern world, and several walking tours of Bath brought to you by Arthur Smith, Show of Strength and Natural Theatre Company.

The Affordable Comedy Festival is back with ahost of solo shows based at new venue the Forum Coffee House where tickets are £5 in advance, or free or pay what you feel on the day! Witness works-inprogress or previews from the best of up-and-coming comedy stars, including Bilal Zafar, Michael Akadiri, Drew Taylor and Sasha Ellen.

The New Act Competition sees 100 contenders compete in ten heats at Bath Brew House and a Grand Final at the Forum Ballroom including the presentation of the coveted Lovehoney Bath Comedy New Act Of The Year Award.

Some shows are already sold out, but at Covid-capacity. Hopefully we won’t be as distanced by the end of July, and another tranche of tickets will be put on sale late in the day – keep your eyes on bathcomedy.com for the ever-evolving line-up and ticket avails.

Here’s to a triumphant return to (ab?)normality. n

Across July & August 2021 @ Holburne Museum, Bath. A brand new theatre festival, taking place in the beautiful gardens of the Holburne Museum. Expect evenings of laughter, fun, food, drink and good times. Doors open early for you to bring your picnic, grab a space and tuck in for an unforgettable evening. There is no better way to experience fantastic theatre for all the family.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO BOOK TICKETS Visit: calf2cow.co.uk /garden-theatre-festival

COMING UP JULY 16 - 17 AUGUST 10 AUGUST 11