Get your dancing shoes on and be prepared to party as The Bath Festival’s long-awaited Finale Weekend on the Rec in the heart of beautiful Bath WILL go ahead over the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August.
Bath Festivals and music promoters Orchard Live are delighted to announce the re-scheduling of this two-day music festival following its postponement due to Covid-19 last summer. Festival headliners McFly, Scouting for Girls, Billy Ocean and UB40, will be joined on the Main Stage by a strong line-up that includes, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Seth Lakeman. There will be live music to appeal to all ages, from the infectious smash hits of chart-toppers McFly to the New York City vibes of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals and the sunshine disco hits of Billy Ocean.
Returning stronger than ever after the success in 2020 of their first studio album in ten years, Young Dumb Thrills, McFly will top the bill on the Saturday night, bringing their own brand of festival Happiness to Bath, and they will be supported by Scouting for Girls, who have built their reputation as a party band. Joining the Saturday line-up is Irish singer-songwriter Orla Gartland and British/American rising star George Pelham.
Also playing on Saturday are rising stars solo artists Lauran Hibberd and Josh Gray and London four-piece outfit Novacub. Dessie Magee with his band, winner of last year’s Bath Introduces competition, and Bath band Luna Lake will take to the Big Top stage.
On Sunday 8 August legendary reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro headline. Ahead of them will be British soul singer Billy Ocean who will be performing some of his classics, such as Caribbean Queen and When the Going Gets Tough.
Acclaimed west country folk musician Seth Lakeman, who last played the Finale Weekend in 2018, will bring his band to the main stage for a high energy set. The Sunday sessions will also include a set from English singer-songwriter and actress Twinnie.
Adding to the party atmosphere on the Sunday will be BLOCO B samba troupe from Bristol. The musicians and dancers take part in St Paul Carnival in Bristol, Notting Hill Carnival and the Rio Carnival itself. Honouring the musical traditions of this amazing music BLOCO B challenge you not to move and be moved.
New York’s trio Fun Lovin’ Criminals, featuring Bath-based frontman Huey Morgan, will bring their unique style and sense of fun to Bath Rec. Also on the line-up are solo artists Hannah Grace and Casey Lowry, Wiltshire based indie trio Port Erin and grunge influenced Life in Mono fronted by Sarah Clayton.
Huey Morgan of the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, who is also a BBC Radio 6 Music presenter, says he is really looking forward to playing to the Bath crowd: “My new hometown gets my first new hometown show! Can’t wait.”
The west country music scene will be well represented with some of the finest local acts appearing on the Main Stage and in The Big Top, which will feature a combination of local talent and rising stars from across the UK.
The good news for existing ticket holders is that their tickets will be automatically transferred to the new date. Many of the big name acts are including the Bath gig as part of their long-anticipated UK tours, which will be a real treat for local fans.
The Feelgood Festival
The two-day Finale Weekend is the ideal introduction to the festival experience for the whole family. You can buy tickets for one day or for the whole weekend. This beautiful green field site lies in the heart of historic Bath, just a ten-minute walk from the train and bus stations and park and ride bus stops. With the coloured banners fluttering in the breeze, the main stage set up and the various stalls selling all kinds of enticing food, you and your kids will be excited as soon as you arrive on site.
The Finale Weekend has a dedicated Kids Zone with equipment to play on and a team of professional entertainers to keep even the tiniest children happy. Older kids will enjoy the chance to check out the rising stars playing in the Big Top, enjoy the acts on the City Stage or interact with the street theatre performers on site – there are loads of opportunities for selfies! When it comes to food, you’re spoilt for choice with a range of artisan food and drink catering for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. There will also be professionally run bars offering a range of drinks, including beer and cider plus you’re never far from a decent cup of coffee.
There will be a covered seating area where you can meet up with friends and enjoy your festival food.
The Finale Weekend is supported by sponsors Bath Ales, Novia, Bath BID and Agriframes.
Tickets can be purchased from: www.thebathfestival.org.uk/finale-weekend or Bath Box Office telephone: 01225 463362. Tickets purchased for the original date will be transferred over to the new date.