Wrap Up in Regency Splendour at the Jane Austen Festival
It’s that time of year again. The city of Bath is unpacking its glad rags ready to return to the elegance of a bygone era to celebrate the life and works of much-loved 18th century novelist, Jane Austen.
Jane called Bath home between 1801 and 1806, and set two of her novels (“Persuasion” and “Northanger Abbey” in the city. She was immersed in the fashionable high society culture that pervaded this spa town during its Regency heyday.
This year’s Jane Austen Festival takes place over 10 days from September 13th to 22nd, so there’s still time to book a room and take your pick of the many events on the rather captivating programme.
If you do nothing else you can’t afford to miss the spectacular grand opening Regency Costumed Promenade through the streets, full of bobbing bonnets, colourful gowns and smart soldiers. If you’re a fan of the popular TV series “Bridgerton” and “Sanditon” you’ll think you’ve arrived on set.
Expect to see around 500 people parading in Regency dress to kick off the 23rd annual Jane Austen festival at 11am on Saturday September 14th – but the packed programme of events actually starts the day before with some welcome receptions, fayres and minibus tours to name just some of the inaugural proceedings.
2024 Jane Austen Festival Highlights
There are so many enticing events of all sorts planned for this year’s festival that it is impossible to name them all here. For full details we suggest you visit the Jane Austen Festival website, and/or download the Festival programme (in pdf format).
We can – and certainly will – however give you a taste of some of the highlights so you can get a feel for this fantastic festival which appeals to young and old, whether you’re a Jane Austen devotee or not.
- Costumed balls at the Bath Assembly Rooms are essential events at which to see and be seen by all the handsome beaus and beautiful belles. There are pre-ball dance workshops too just to make sure you don’t put a foot wrong when you take to the floor.
- Guided walks take you exploring the routes that Jane and her lady friends – as well as the characters in her books – would have followed when they went promenading or out to take the air about town.
- A perfect picnic, Regency style albeit an informal “bring your own” affair in the pretty surroundings of Sydney Gardens.
- Fun and games in the form of genteel sports like croquet and fencing.
- Lively lectures and workshops on all sorts of topics from revealing what’s in a Regency reticule to making parasols or dyeing fabric.
There’s so much more besides, including mini-bus tours taking in notable Austen locations in and around Bath, high teas, theatrical performances, a Regency themed church service in Bath Abbey, even stargazing with Bath Astronomers.
How to Join in the Austen Experience
Pack up your period costume – don’t forget the gloves and fan – and head to Bath. You can book tickets for the events individually in advance online – just follow the instructions on the festival website where events are listed by date, and by category.
Once you’re in Bath the hub of the Festival is at the Jane Austen Centre at 40 Gay Street (BA1 2NT), where you’ll find a gift shop and Regency Tea Room, and a fascinating exhibition to take you back in time to Jane’s Bath. There’s also plenty of appropriately costumed volunteer stewards on hand to help you with any queries and to point you in the right direction.
If you are planning to treat yourself to a stylish summer sojourn in Bath and take in the Jane Austen Festival, don’t forget to book a room with Toghill House Farm – which has been a working farm since 1861 – is just a stone’s throw from the city and is waiting to welcome you with a selection of cosy rooms with prices starting from £72 per night, including breakfast.