Take part in Bath’s World Heritage Day
celebrations
March 2010
To celebrate Bath as a World Heritage site,
Bath & North East Somerset Council are hosting a day of events
and activities for the whole family to enjoy on World Heritage Day,
Sunday 18 April.
The City of Bath has been designated a World
Heritage Site since 1987 for its outstanding Roman and
18th Century architecture, its 18th Century
town-planning and the social setting. The Romans had the foresight
and technology to harness the only hot springs in this country, and
in the same fantastic landscape setting the Georgians built an
elegant new town which influenced the architectural and social
traditions of a nation.
For the World Heritage Day celebrations, Bath
& North East Somerset Council’s Heritage Services have teamed
up with The Bath Preservation Trust and the National Trust to put
together a programme of activities on the lawn outside Royal
Crescent from 11.00-15.00.
Councillor Terry Gazzard, the Council’s
Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Culture (Conservative,
Abbey) said:“The World Heritage designation is a tremendous
accolade for Bath. Bath and North East Somerset Council is proud of
Bath’s World Heritage status and the celebrations taking place to
mark World Heritage Day are a great way for local people and
visitors alike to learn about and enjoy our world class
heritage.”
Tony Crouch, World Heritage Manager at Bath
and North East Somerset Council said:
“To truly appreciate the City you have to
understand it. This is where World Heritage Day comes in,
encouraging all of us to enjoy finding out more about this very
special place and ensuring future generations can appreciate it
too”
Activities taking place on the day
include:
- Military Re-enactments – The Ermine Street
Guard will march and perform military re-enactments throughout the
day. Their Roman Camp will be full of exciting things to explore.
Free to all.
- Guided Walks - The Mayor’s Honorary Guides
will be offering guided circular walks every hour at 11.50, 12.50,
13.50 and 14.50 around the architecture of upper Bath starting at
the Roman Camp in Royal Victoria Park. Free to all.
- No.1 Royal Crescent will be open 10.30-17.00.
Join Mr. Tyson, Master of Ceremonies at Georgian Bath, when he
visits No.1 Royal Crescent, and becomes involved in Scandal at the
Spa! Or visit the historic kitchen at No.1 to see the cook
preparing a Georgian feast. Costumed performances throughout the
day in the elegant interiors of this restored 18th
century townhouse. Admission to No.1 is free for Bath and North
East Somerset Residents with a Discovery Card on World Heritage
Day.
- The Assembly Rooms, will be open 10.30-17.00
for visitors to explore the historical rooms that were at the heart
of fashionable Georgian society, the perfect venue for
entertainment. When completed in 1771, they were described as ‘the
most noble and elegant of any in the kingdom’. National Trust staff
will be on hand to talk about their present and future involvement
in Bath. Free entry.
- Bath Preservation Trust staff from the Trust
will be on hand to talk about the work of the Trust and to help
owners and custodians of Bath’s historic property understand their
buildings and the important contribution they make to the World
Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Values. If you are
considering buying a historic property or have recently done so
there will be the opportunity to ask about how to care for, repair
and restore it. Advice and guidance from the Trust’s experts
available at the BPT tent on the lawn between 11.00-15.00
For further information about events taking
place on World Heritage Day visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/heritageevents,
www.bathnes.gov.uk/worldheritage,
http://www.bptlearning.org.uk/,
or pick up a leaflet from your local library, tourist information
centre or any Council reception point.