Bath Carnival

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Celebrating creativity and community at Bath Carnival

Bath Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Bath’s creativity and community spirit, and this year was no different. The party spread across the city, featuring a procession filled with colour, live music, and dancing. This year’s celebration took place on 13 July, and Bath Spa University was honoured to attend as one of its official partners. 

Bath Carnival is one of 16 organisations across the creative and cultural sector in Bath that the University is partnered with. Not only is the event a showcase of creativity and culture, but it also unites the local community in Bath and the surrounding areas.  

The University contributed to this year’s carnival offerings by hosting craft workshops, providing work opportunities for BSU students at the carnival and collaborating with businesses in Bath and Bristol in the lead-up to the big day. 

Bath Spa University students and alumni helped prepare for the event through various work placements, including venues such as The Paintworks, The Bristol Old Vic and The Egg Theatre. For the procession, they assisted with costume fittings, setup, float dressing, and repairing structures and puppets. 

At the beginning of June, BSU students took part in a sea slug structure-making workshop at the Paintworks in Radstock. Participants contributed to the carnival by creating the foundations of the fabulous sea slugs, which became a highlight of the procession. 

BSU student Liv Luckley said: 

“My placement with Bath Carnival was the chance I needed to be fully creative and free. During my time as an assistant for The Monstrum, I was trusted to try out new skills and encouraged to trust myself while experimenting with pattern drafting, sewing, and spray painting. It was the push I needed to find my footing in costume design. Being around a team of creatives with such a strong drive made me feel at home and allowed me to be as nerdy and creative as I wanted to be. 

I don't think there is anything like the Bath Carnival. I love that it works for everyone. The carnival educates and encourages everyone, whether they are working, placement students, part of the Bath community, or just groups who join in for the workshops or the carnival. I loved being with like-minded people who respect individuality. I can now sew, paint, create, and be myself with more confidence than I had before my placement.” 

Bath Carnival is a testament to the power of creativity and community. It offers a platform for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn, and celebrate their unique talents. We are incredibly #BathSpaProud of our students and graduates who played a vital role in making this year’s event a success. Here’s to many more years of dancing, creativity, and community spirit! 

Photo provided by Lucy Baker.