Things to do in Bath this Month

Musical May – what to see in the Bath Festival programme this month…

There are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in a variety of music genres this year, including music from the talented If Opera Company of singers, who will perform popular operatic arias set in ‘Chez Bullier’, a 1920s Parisian speakeasy. Plus we’ve picked out two other shows that we think you’ll enjoy too…

A silhouette of a flapper girl, with candles and a piano behind her

Tales from Chez Bullier
Sunday 15 May at Guildhall, Bath

Chez Bullier, a faded Parisian speakeasy, is home to a cast of characters from the world of opera, who share with us their tales of love and laughter, tragedy and loss. M. Bullier, our host and compère, takes us on a journey through their lives as we meet Ruggero and Magda (La rondine), Mimi and Rodolfo (La boheme), Hannah the merry widow, and a whole tapestry of delicious characters from operatic history.

This event will transform the Guildhall’s Banqueting Room with a cabaret style gala performance, featuring music by Puccini, Verdi, Lehar and others. Enjoy a Parisian Gin cocktail in our pop-up Scout & Sage Bar.

Presented in partnership with Viking

La Voix Humaine 2022
Monday 16 May

Taking place in an apartment in Bath, Director David Pountney has taken a 20th century opera classic and created an intense theatrical experience. La Voix Humaine is opera up-close, intimate and unrestrained.

La Voix Humaine is a co-production between Wales Millennium Centre and Welsh National Opera, commissioned for Festival of Voice.

Music for Organ and Trumpet: Aaron Akugbo and John Kitchen
Wednesday 18 May at Bath Abbey

Hear from a rising star in British music, Edinburgh-born trumpeter Aaron Akugbo, who will be joined by talented organist John Kitchen. Taking place in Bath’s majestic Abbey, sit back and take in the beautiful sounds of soaring brass accompanied by the organ.

Two visitors reading a brochure in Bath World Heritage Centre

Step inside the NEW Bath World Heritage Centre

Officially opening on Monday 9 May 2022, the Bath World Heritage Centre invites visitors to discover what makes Bath such a unique place.

Be among the first to experience the new centre, find out about the hot springs, Roman remains, Georgian architecture and more. You’ll be able to enjoy interactive exhibits and displays designed to inspire, excite and inform. The centre is also offering free walking trails and guides, to help you explore all Bath has to offer.

A ceramic ornate sculture stands infront of a wall of paintings

Discover local talent at Bath Society of Artists 117th Annual Exhibition

The Victoria Art Gallery, in the heart of Bath, will showcase the best of the region’s artistic talent opening on 14 May. This annual exhibition is one not to be missed and much loved by art lovers and collectors alike.

The Bath Society of Artists was founded in 1904 with 26 members. It has grown over the years to a membership of around 120 diverse, talented artists. Many distinguished 20th-century painters have exhibited with the Society including Walter Sickert, Patrick Heron, Mary Fedden and Howard Hodgkin. The exhibition showcases work from members and non-members, with the opportunity for visitors to vote for their favourite artwork to win the Public Choice Prize.

A round dining table inside The Bird's restaurant

Tuck into delicious local food at The Bird

Plate is a sociable, neighbourhood restaurant found at The Bird. It is a beautiful setting designed for both local and global foodies, with a commitment to using local suppliers. You can enjoy generous servings of honest, seasonal, fresh dishes.

The restaurant also has the added bonus of a beautiful outdoor setting, so if May continues to bring good weather (fingers crossed!) you can soak up the sunshine on The Bird’s terrace with Alfresco dining.