Museums at Night

An exciting series of events and activities are planned in Bath on Saturday 15 May as part of Museums at Night celebrations.

The events are being co-ordinated by Bath & North East Somerset Council in association with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Starting at 11.30am in Southgate there will be a free programme of music, dancing and martial arts performances as well as a fashion show with a historical twist. The Bath Spa Brass Band and Bath Minuet Company will be taking part and visitors will also be able to meet costumed characters and join in Painting by Numbers with the Natural Theatre Company, helping to create a new masterpiece for the museums.

Eight museums, including those run by Bath & North East Somerset Council, will be open late into the evening to explore and enjoy. Celebrate the 170^th anniversary of the railway in Bath with the Museum of Bath at Work,  or see a house brought to life with special activities and fine dining at Number 1 Royal Crescent. The Museum of East Asian Art will be offering free tea-tasting, and live music will be played at the Building of Bath Collection. In the wonderful setting of the Roman Baths at night, visitors will be able to meet a stonemason, potter and scribe, whilst at the Saltford Brass Mill there will an unique opportunity to see this surviving 18^th century mill in an evening setting.

Stephen Clews, Manager of Bath & North East Somerset Council-run Roman Baths and Pump Room, said: "Museums at Night is an international event and our museums in Bath & North East Somerset have been leaders in developing the idea in Britain. This year you don't have to wait until dark to get started as the event kicks off in the morning and continues into the evening.”

Entry is free to Bath and North East Somerset residents with a Discovery Card. For more details on how to get a Discovery card, and to download an application form, visit http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/ and click on D in the A-Z listing.

See www.bathnes.gov.uk/heritageevents for full details, and to download a programme. Leaflets are also available at local libraries and museums.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Museums at Night is a national campaign led by Culture24 and funded by MLA, showcasing the UK's vibrant museums, galleries, heritage sites, libraries and archives. It is associated with the European event, La Nuit des Musées. http://www.culture24.org.uk/

For more event information contact: Chezzy Brownen, Heritage Events Co-ordinator, Bath & North East Somerset Council on 01225 477757, or email chezzy_brownen@bathnes.gov.uk