BATH’s Party in the City, the opening night of the flour weeks of Bath Festivals, on Friday 15th May from 5pm, is the biggest free multi-venue event in the south west, attracting thousands of music lovers to enjoy live music in 50 venues, including the city’s leading music venues, as well as pubs, clubs, churches, museums and galleries, and into the streets.

There is something for every taste, from acoustic/pop, blues, folk, funk/soul, jazz and blues, and indie/rock through to choral and classical. This year, for the first time, venues are specialising in one genre, so you won’t have to move if your heart is set on just one type of music.

Look out for brochures across the city now. These will also be handed out on the night and you can download the app from partyinthecity.org.uk or look for Party in the City 2026 in the app store. Search by artist, venue, genre of music or use the city map.

Highlights for the 2026 Party in the City include:
• Bath Abbey is the impressive setting for choral performances of all genres, featuring schools and community choirs.
• The Guildhall’s elegant interior will host an eclectic programming with classical, jazz and folk offerings by orchestras and ensembles .
• Green Park Station is party central for all ages with music, bars and food extending into the weekend – featuring a big party stage and an emerging band stage on Friday and a choirs festival on Saturday.
• Komedia on Westgate Street is a hub for high-energy cutting-edge contemporary acts and after-hours clubbing.
• The huge stage at The Forum is perfect for Youth Stage, showcasing inspiring musical projects of all kinds from state schools from all over the region, thanks to support from WEMA (West of England Music and Arts).

Keep your eyes open for free and ticketed opportunities to party on after 11pm at selected venues.

New this year is The Kids Are Alright, a battle of the bands competition, showcasing young and emerging talent. It’s open to music students and the newly graduated from colleges across the south west, judged by music professionals and offering a first prize of a mentored session at the Distillery II recording studios. The live final will be battled out in front of a Party in the City audience at Roseberry Road Studios in Bath.

There are Party in the City limited edition festival VIP wristbands – donate £10 online and get one sent to you in advance. It will help you skip queues, bag some front row seats at selected venues and give you a warm glow that you’re supporting Bath’s brilliant live music scene. For wristbands and for more information visit: partyinthecity.org.