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10 Years of Summer Art Installations at SouthGate Bath

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since we first turned St Lawrence Street into something a little unexpected. What started with a few umbrellas has grown into a yearly moment that signals the start of summer in Bath city centre.

If you’ve ever stopped mid-shopping trip to look up, take a photo, or just take it all in, you’ve been part of it. With 2026’s Summer Install on the way, here’s a look back at the installations that got us here. 

2016 – Rainbow Umbrellas ☂️

This is where it all began. A canopy of rainbow umbrellas appeared overhead, catching people completely off guard and quickly turning into “Umbrella Street”. It didn’t take long before it was everywhere, from camera rolls to BBC & ITV, and it’s still one people bring up to this day. 

2017 – Enchanted Garden ⛱️

We brought the umbrellas back, only bigger and with over a thousand of them filling the space. This was also the year we added seating and green areas, turning it from something you walked through somewhere you could spend time. 

2018 – Ultra Violet Summer 💜

Out went the umbrellas, and in came the Wisteria Walkway. Thousands of purple blooms transformed the street into something calmer and more immersive, quickly becoming one of the most photographed spots in Bath. If you remember #wisteriawalk, you’ll know. 

2019 – The Secret Garden 🪻

The wisteria returned, but with more detail with dragonflies, planters, and layered touches that made it feel like a full environment. It’s also when some familiar features, like the apple trees and lanterns, started to become part of the look. 

2021 – Rainbow Ribbons 🌈

After a pause in 2020, the ribbons brought colour and movement back into the centre. Thousands flowed overhead, catching the breeze and bringing a real sense of energy back to shopping in Bath city centre. It just felt good to have it back.

2022 – Butterflies 🦋

Bright butterflies filled the space, paired with matching planters at each end of the street. It wasn’t just visual either, this one supported Trauma Breakthrough, with the butterfly symbol adding a deeper meaning to the installation. 

2023 – Butterflies & Ribbons 🦋🌈

We combined two favourites, blending butterflies and ribbons in softer, seasonal colours. The butterfly selfie point quickly became a go-to photo spot, especially for those supporting The Lily Foundation. 

2024 – Floral Archway 💐

Floral arches and garlands gave the whole space a classic garden feel, tying in neatly with Bath’s Britain in Bloom heritage. It also earned us a South West in Bloom Gold Award, which was a pretty special moment. 

2025 – River in the Sky 🌊

One of the most memorable yet, this installation used flowing ribbons to mimic a moving river overhead. With willow fish made by local schools and “Simon” the recycling fish, it mixed creativity, community, and sustainability in a way people really connected with. 

2026 – Coming Soon 👀

We’re already working on this year’s installation, and while we’re keeping the full reveal quiet for now, we can say it’ll have a woodland-inspired theme. If the past 10 years are anything to go by, it’ll be worth seeing in person. 

Join Us This Summer at SouthGate Bath

Ten years on, these installations have become part of what makes summer at SouthGate Bath feel like summer. Whether you’ve seen one or all of them, thanks for being part of it, and here’s to the next 10. 

To be the first to discover the 2026 installation, make sure to follow SouthGate Bath on social media, sign up to the newsletter, and keep refreshing our What’s On page for the latest updates.

Last updated Wednesday 10 June, 2026