The SouthGate Bath shopping centre has unveiled its latest summer installation, this year celebrating the city’s connection with nature and the River Avon.
The installation at SouthGate Bath | Photo © SouthGate Bath / Citypress
The centre has partnered with Bath & North East Somerset Council, taking inspiration from the 2025 Bath Festival of Nature theme of Water, to create a “river in the sky” canopy suspended overhead on St Lawrence Street.
Inspired by the Bath River Line running along the River Avon, the installation aims to spotlight the environmental importance of local habitats and promote appreciation for the unique flora and fauna that thrive along the riverbanks.
The river is further brought to life through willow sculptures created by local artist Julie Starks, in collaboration with pupils from three local schools.
The canopy itself is crafted from sustainable fabric and balsam wood, with the centre donating materials to Bath College for repurposing at the end of the summer and using others in future installations.
Visitors can also enjoy an educational river-themed floor trail, illustrated by local artist Marian Hill.
The trail features facts about local wildlife, ecosystems and water conservation, and includes interactive QR codes linking to more information and ways to get involved.
In addition to the overhead display, an innovative fish-shaped recycling point located in SouthGate Place will offer visitors the chance to do their bit for the environment by recycling their used plastic bottles.
The project forms part of SouthGate Bath’s collaboration with the Festival of Nature, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, and Bath River Line Project, a Bath & North East Somerset Council initiative, which works to enhance access, biodiversity, and engagement along the River Avon.
Guy Henderson, Centre Director at SouthGate Bath, said: “This year, we are proud to use our summer installation to shine a light on the River Avon and the vital natural environment that surrounds our beautiful city.
“The ‘river in the sky’ is a striking centrepiece that will offer our visitors a moment of reflection and inspiration, as well as an opportunity to get involved in protecting our local environment.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Festival of Nature and Bath and North East Somerset Council on such an important initiative.”
Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, added: “I would like to say thank you to SouthGate Bath, the Festival of Nature and everyone involved in the creation of this striking installation, particularly the pupils from St Martin’s Garden Primary School, St Michael’s Junior Church School and Roundhill Primary school who created the willow fish featured in the overhead canopy.
“The display will encourage visitors to reflect on the city’s waterways, celebrate the work we are doing to enhance the natural habitats along the Bath River Line and highlight the council’s vision of being Nature Positive.”
The installation will remain in place throughout the summer.
