When evening falls at The Roman Baths, the iconic site usually settles into a calm stillness. This summer, though, things will feel a little different.
Vinyl DJs and live acoustic artists will perform beside the Great Bath as part of Summer Lates: after-hours music bringing a relaxed, sociable atmosphere to one of the UK’s most remarkable historic settings.
In many ways, it’s a return to The Roman Baths’ original purpose. Two thousand years ago, the Baths were a lively, social space where people came to meet, talk, and try to relax. That spirit continues this summer, with the site open until 10pm every evening from 20 July to 31 August, and live music each weekend.
Summer Lates music sessions run from Friday to Sunday, featuring a programme of headline names in live acoustic music and vinyl DJ culture. The Grade I-listed site provides a unique, laid-back setting for atmospheric performances beside the Great Bath.
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.”
Music by the Great Bath
Fridays and Saturdays focus on vinyl DJ sets, curated by Bath Carnival, spotlighting some of the most exciting regional talent alongside internationally respected selectors. Expect a laid-back mix of funk, soul, Latin jazz and deep global cuts.
Highlights include a special set from Pete Cunningham, the producer and bandleader behind Bristol’s acclaimed Ishmael Ensemble, renowned broadcaster and DJ Tina Edwards, and the global groove-driven sounds of Poly-Ritmo, alongside Awon (Friendly Records), Katie Novo, Beavs and more. As part of the 90th anniversary of Haile Selassie’s arrival in Bath, the programme includes an evening of Ethiopian jazz and reggae, in partnership with Fairfield House.
Hosted by Stu Bacana, the vinyl sessions create an intimate, slow-paced listening experience inspired by Bath’s Bacana Funk scene. A specially designed sound set-up creates a surround sound listening experience. There’s no central stage or fixed audience, just DJs sharing rare gems from their collections, as visitors explore, pause for a drink, and soak up the atmosphere.
Sundays shift the mood with acoustic sessions curated by 7 Hills Festival, featuring a mix of established artists and rising talent performing stripped-back acoustic sessions rooted in folk, Americana and contemporary acoustic music.
The live programme includes Steve Cradock (Ocean Colour Scene / Paul Weller), AMAUK Artist of the Year Hannah White, Robert Vincent, Gia Ford, and duo True Foxes, alongside a wider line-up including Young Martyrs, Matt Owens, Izzie Yardley, Jazz Morley, McGrath and more.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, 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.”
Summer Lates tickets include full access to The Roman Baths and museum, with extended evening opening and a bath-side bar encouraging visitors to stay and make an evening of it. Alongside the weekend music programme, visitors can experience the site after hours as torchlight flickers across ancient stone 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 full programme details visit: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/summer-lates-2026
