A city centre celebration marking the arrival of the festive season in Bath will return for a second time on 23rd November, with special guest comedian Jarred Christmas.
Taking part in last year’s procession | Photo © Bath BID
Bath Lights the Night is being created by the Bath Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Bath Carnival.
The second iteration of the event will again illuminate the streets of Bath just before the Christmas Market begins.
Comprising a parade through the city, a light projection onto Bath Abbey, and an art installation and concert inside the former Benedictine monastery, there will be a catalogue of activities throughout the evening, all set to the theme of “Under the Same Stars”.
Jarred Christmas will be a special guest for the evening, as compere.
A strong community element runs through Bath Lights the Night, with children and families encouraged to participate by creating lanterns themselves.
Inside Bath Abbey at last year’s event | Photo © Bath BID
The Bath Carnival, a charity dedicated to community engagement, brings all its expertise to help deliver the event. The charity works with children from diverse backgrounds and individuals with additional needs in puppet workshops to create large-scale lanterns depicting endangered wildlife, which will feature in the parade.
The winter lantern procession will be accompanied through the streets of Bath by performers, with light up carnival costumes and music from samba group Jamma de Samba.
As part of the evening’s celebrations, residents and attendees will be treated to the first sight of a projection of stars onto the iconic west face of Bath Abbey.
Inside the Abbey, a concert featuring lively music from local musicians will be staged under the newly installed Light of Stars.
This piece of art, created by Paper Starlights, is a constellation of over 100 handmade paper stars set against the 17th century architecture of the Abbey, celebrating community and togetherness.
Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID, said: “This event is a true celebration of local people, bringing together musicians, the Bath Carnival team of artists, businesses and organisations, and the public in the city.
“We are delighted that the lanterns are made from sustainable materials with plenty of creativity and lots of love.
“We hope that, just like last year, residents will come together on the last Saturday before the Christmas market to do their Christmas shopping in local shops, feast in local restaurants and have a whale of a time with the carnival and all our lantern makers, culminating in a burst of lively music from professional local musicians in our splendid Bath Abbey. A great way to get into the festive spirit!”
Jarred Christmas added: “It is a great privilege to be invited by Bath BID to compere Bath Lights the Night.
“I’m looking forward to doing my part in sharing some festive cheer and seeing the city come together in what will be a dazzling display of local talent, creativity and performance.”
Stu Matson, Director of Bath Carnival, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bath BID again to bring Bath Lights the Night back for a second year.
“Last year’s event was truly special, and we’re excited to once again light up the city centre and celebrate the local community’s creative spirit.
“This year, we’re working closely with a range of groups to make the parade an even more spectacular experience with new giant structures being constructed.
“We’re also looking forward to some festive performances in The Abbey to round off the evening – what a way to kick-start the Christmas celebrations in Bath!”
Those wishing to join the parade should meet at the Old Bond Street outside Sweet Little Things at 5.15pm before the procession begins at 5.30pm.
The event is free, and tickets for the concert in the Abbey at 6pm can be reserved in advance.
The starry lights on the front of the Abbey will take place every 15 minutes throughout the Christmas period.
