West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is calling on both royalists and republicans to make the most of the upcoming bank holiday weekend by exploring local attractions.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris at Bath Aqua Glass | Photo © WECA
With an extra day off, the Mayor says it’s the perfect opportunity for residents to learn more about the history of the area and support local businesses that are still suffering from the effects of the pandemic.
Mr Norris, who is running an Explore Local campaign, recently visited Bath Abbey, the site of King Edgar’s coronation in 973 AD.
During his visit, Reverend Guy Bridgewater and Executive Director Frank Mowat explained how the Coronation service set to be used for King Charles III descended directly from that of Edgar at the Anglo-Saxon monastery on the site of Bath Abbey.
Bathonians can still see a ‘belfry window’ – part of the monastery’s bell tower that would have been ringing loud and proud during Edgar’s crowning – at the Abbey’s new Discovery Centre.
Bath Abbey will be holding a series of events to mark the coronation, including a Royal Celebration Concert on 5th May, a live screening of the ceremony in London on 6th May, themed services on 7th May, and a drop-in ‘Patriotic Printing’ family craft activity on 8th May.
New statistics show that while overall visits to British attractions have increased by 69% compared to 2021, they are still down 37.8 million visitors compared to 2019.
This has had a significant impact on the local economy, according to the West of England mayor.
He said: “The extra time off for most of us means we have a great opportunity to get out and about and visit the brilliant attractions and open spaces we have locally.
“It’s a chance to find out more about our local history.
“I love Bath and the surrounding areas – there’s so much to do and explore. Very often going out also has a big positive knock-on effect too, when you buy a bus ticket, enjoy some local produce on a picnic or buy a postcard, you’re supporting local jobs.
“That’s something we can all get behind – whether you’re a right royal enthusiast, or a staunch republican.”
