The Bath Festival 2023
Celebrating Music and Books in a Beautiful City
Last updated 26th Apr 2023
The Bath Festival, one of the most renowned annual celebrations of music and books, is gearing up for its 2023 edition with the theme "Opening Up." Scheduled to take place from Friday, May 12th to Saturday, May 21st, the festival promises to be a vibrant and diverse celebration of art, literature, music, and culture in the picturesque city of Bath.
May is the perfect time for venturing out, exploring the city, and connecting with others, and Bath Festival promises to offer a rich program of over 130 events in more than 50 of Bath's distinctive buildings and spaces. The festival encourages festival-goers to open up to new ideas, conversations, and experiences through a carefully curated lineup of talks, workshops, performances, walks, and more.
One of the highlights of the festival is the music program, which focuses on showcasing exceptional rising talent. In addition to a series of rising classical music stars, the festival will feature the Bath Festival Orchestra in residency during the weekend. The orchestra, known for its individuality, personality, and creative free spirit, provides a platform for energetic young players coming out of music colleges, celebrating the unique voice of young talent in the performing arts.
Bath Festival will also welcome a host of internationally-acclaimed authors, artists, and performers. Notable names on the lineup include novelist Tan Twan Eng, actor Paterson Joseph, The Great British Sewing Bee's Esme Young, Costa First Novel award-winner Caleb Azumah Nelson, author Max Porter, violinist Esther Yoo, and many more. With a diverse array of events spanning genres such as politics, art, history, nature and science, festival-goers can immerse themselves in a world of ideas and creativity.
The festival will also feature two guest curators who have curated their own strands of events. Acclaimed writer Cathy Rentzenbrink will explore the big subjects of life, death, love, and literature in her strand titled "How To Feel Better," featuring interviews with renowned authors such as Kit de Waal, Cariad Lloyd, and Katherine May, as well as evenings dedicated to the comfort and joy of books, words, and songs. Dr Rachel Clarke, a writer and NHS palliative care doctor will discuss her strand titled "Hope in the Dark," which will focus on courage, creativity, love, and human connection in difficult times, featuring events with broadcaster Jon Snow, Polly Morland, Henry Marsh, and Charlotte Higgins.
The Bath Festival 2023 promises to be a celebration of both the festival's rich history and the excitement for new experiences. With its diverse lineup of events, guest curators, and unique locations, the festival aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space for festival-goers to explore, engage, and open up to new ideas and perspectives.
As the festival approaches, more details about the program, tickets, and venues will be released on the official Bath Festival website. Whether you're a music lover, bookworm, art enthusiast, or simply someone looking for an enriching cultural experience, The Bath Festival 2023 is sure to offer something for everyone. So mark your calendars and get ready to join in the celebration of art, literature, music, and culture in the beautiful city of Bath!