Singing in the baths After-hours concerts and DJs to pump up volume at Roman spa

When the day's last visitors drain from Bath's Roman thermae, the popular tourist site usually becomes a quiet place. But not at the weekend this summer.

- Steven Morris

Instead, DJs and musicians will set up beside the steaming water and create a party venue. "It's a departure for us, an experiment," said Amanda Hart, the director of archaeology at the Roman baths. "We would like people to experience the baths in a different way, and maybe attract a slightly different audience - visitors who wouldn't necessarily come to the baths."

The Summer Lates music series promises DJs playing disco, funk, gospel and jazz, as well as live sets from acoustic acts. It is not clear if people will dance. "We're all a bit unsure as to how people are going to respond," said Hart. "Maybe people will have a bit of a dance."

But what would the Romans have made of it? Hart said there was no firm evidence music had been played at the baths in their day, 2,000 years ago - but she believed it probably was. Music was important in Roman society and was played on social occasions and at ceremonies and spectacles.