Bath - City of Lights

With my knowledge of how Blackpool's famous Illuminations continue to draw the crowds to the Lancashire coast every autumn, I shouldn't be surprised by the appeal of bright lights to draw in visitors on dark nights. But I am genuinely surprised this week but the impact of the Iluminate Bath Festival which is bringing out the crowds this week into the city centre.

The Festival had not been on my radar before I arrived in Bath and I dare say that I am not alone in this respect. I am going to make sure that we get the message out next year!

Illuminate Bath is part of the Lodon 2012 Cultural Olympiad and it is a showcase for both local and international artists. Over 4 evenings, numerous light projections transform the city's streets and buildings.

And the artworks are drawing in crowds, both young and old.

It strikes me that this is just the sort of Festival that will help us attract more visitors in the off peak period - so lets hope that these interactive artworks help shine the spotlight on Bath as a visitor destination.

http://www.illuminatebath.org/

I have fallen in love!

They say that it happens when you least expect it. And in my case, this is very true. But I have suddenly found a new love interest and I want to share the details with you!

Elegant and refined, sophisticated and fun. Enjoys luxury, indulgence and pampering. Mad for shopping and eating out. Quite simply beautiful.

My only problem is in pronouncing the name - is it Bath (as in hat) or Bath (as in heart)?

Either way, it is going to be my privilege to work there when I start as Chief Executive of Bath Tourism Plus this month. I can't wait!