Festive plan for city now on ice

Events planned for Bath in the run-up to Christmas could be under threat following Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement.

Visit Bath, Bath BID and Bath Festivals have been working together to plan the city’s festive celebrations and a full list to replace the Christmas market amid the pandemic, was due to be unveiled this week.

Chalets around the city and early bird Christmas shopping days were among the treats intended, but the announcement of a second lockdown has cast doubt on what will be taking place.

Visit Bath, the city’s tourist board, met this weekend to discuss what lockdown meant for the city’s festive season.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Visit Bath had been due to unveil the full programme of the celebrations, events and city animation taking place in Bath in the lead-up to Christmas.

“However, following the Government’s announcement on Saturday 31st October, which outlined the new national lockdown measures, we are reviewing this programme with all participating partners.

“Our programme of planned activity has been continually reviewed and adapted, based on changing advice including the possibility of further restrictions and the impact these may have.

“Discussions have been taking place over the weekend and will continue with partners to understand what options we have and what can be delivered. “Our aim is still to ensure that some of the planned programme can be delivered within the guidelines and when it is safe to do so. “Further details will be shared as soon as they are available, but the safety of residents, staff and visitors is paramount so please bear with us during this challenging time. “Thoughts are with businesses who will now have to close again. We will continue to support them as more information becomes available.” Updates will be published as we have them.

Are you a business affected by this story? If so, get in touch at imogen. mcguckin@reachplc.com.