A host of free activities are being offered to residents and visitors to celebrate Bath’s Sydney Gardens, with something for everyone in the community to enjoy on one special day.
The special model railway that will be going on show | Photo © B&NES Council
A model railway, working forge, live classical music, guided tours and family-friendly creative activities are all included in the Friends of Sydney Gardens Community Day to encourage visitors to the UK’s only surviving Georgian Pleasure Gardens.
The event, on Sunday 15th September, has been organised by Bath and North East Somerset Council and the Friends of Sydney Gardens to entice more people to explore the gardens, which are undergoing restoration following a £2.7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “This event is set to be an enjoyable afternoon that I hope will draw more people to come and see what Sydney Gardens has to offer.
“The gardens are a lovely haven from the hustle and bustle of our city and I look forward to seeing the community coming together on this special day.”
The event runs from 1pm to 4pm and also includes stalls and activities from Bath Area Play Project, Bath Bees, RSPB and Kennet & Avon Canal.
Donkey Rides are being provided over the afternoon by Danny’s Donkeys – a rescue centre for donkeys, and an Avon Fire & Rescue engine will be on site from 2pm to 3pm.
Leading up to the event, a model railway of the London to Bristol mainline as it passes through Sydney Gardens will be on display at the Holburne Museum on 14th and 15th September.
In addition, the Jane Austen 2019 Regency Costumed Promenade will set off from Sydney Gardens on 14th September at 11am.
For more information on the Community Day, visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/sydneygardensactivities.
Sydney Gardens first opened in 1795 and was a favourite spot of Jane Austen.
The project to restore the Gardens will involve extensive heritage and wildlife conservation work, a new café and play area and refurbished tennis courts, a community hall and craft studio created within existing buildings and areas of the park that are currently closed to the public will be reopened.
