Mums, dads and carers looking for a memorable summer night out can enjoy music, drinks and after-hours access to The Roman Baths when Summer Lates returns from 20 July.
The historic attraction will stay open until 10pm every evening until 31 August, with live music, vinyl DJs, acoustic performances and a bath-side bar creating a relaxed atmosphere beside the Great Bath.
While Bath is packed with family-friendly attractions during the school holidays, Summer Lates offers parents the chance to enjoy an evening for themselves, combining live music, heritage and one of the city’s most spectacular settings.
In many ways, the event reflects the original purpose of the Roman Baths. Two thousand years ago, the site was a lively social space where people gathered to meet friends, share food and drink, and unwind.
Amanda Hart, Director of Archaeology at The Roman Baths, said, “People came to the Baths in Roman times for many reasons, including socialising. They would have met friends, shared food and drink, and perhaps listened to music.
“While we can’t say for certain what music was performed, it was likely part of the sensory experience. Summer Lates taps into the social aspect, offering people a chance to experience the site in a different, more informal way.”
Fridays and Saturdays will feature vinyl DJ sets curated by Bath Carnival, showcasing regional talent and internationally respected selectors performing everything from funk and soul to Latin jazz and deep global grooves.
Highlights include sets from Pete Cunningham, the producer and bandleader behind Bristol’s acclaimed Ishmael Ensemble, renowned broadcaster and DJ Tina Edwards, and Poly-Ritmo, alongside Awon, Katie Novo, Beavs and more.
As part of the 90th anniversary of the arrival of Haile Selassie in Bath, the programme will also include an evening of Ethiopian jazz and reggae in partnership with Fairfield House.
The vinyl sessions will be hosted by Stu Bacana and are designed to create a relaxed listening experience rather than a traditional gig. There is no central stage or fixed audience, allowing visitors to explore the site, stop for a drink and soak up the atmosphere at their own pace.
Sundays will feature acoustic performances curated by 7 Hills Festival, with artists including Steve Cradock, Hannah White, Robert Vincent, Gia Ford and True Foxes.
Councillor Paul Roper said, “The Roman Baths is one of the UK’s most significant heritage sites, and it’s important that we continue to share it in ways that feel open, engaging and relevant today.
“Summer Lates invites people to experience this extraordinary place differently, bringing history to life not just through what we see, but through how we spend time here together.
“We’re proud to support cultural experiences that celebrate Bath’s heritage while welcoming new audiences, and we look forward to seeing both residents and visitors enjoy the Baths in the evening this summer.”
Alongside the weekend music programme, visitors can explore the Roman Baths and museum after hours, as torchlight flickers across the ancient stonework and steam rises from the Great Bath.
Summer Lates runs from 20 July to 31 August, with The Roman Baths open until 10pm daily. Live music takes place from 5.30pm to 9.30pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
For tickets and the full programme, visit The Roman Baths Summer Lates.
