It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is the greatest novelist these English shores have produced. Her enduring legacy has lasted more than 200 years, with the likes of Pride & Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park adored by millions worldwide. But there’s no finer way to celebrate her life and work than in Bath at the Jane Austen Festival this September 13 – 22.
The 10-day event is the largest and longest-running Jane Austen Festival in the world and draws over 3500 people every year. The Regency-era writer lived in Bath for several years and both posthumous works, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, are partly set in the city. (Bristol’s Blaise Castle also makes an appearance in the latter.)
Even today, much of Bath’s historic Georgian architecture is reminiscent of that period – it’s why it’s appeared so much in Bridgerton too. That makes the city the perfect location for donning your bonnets, heading to a ball or two and tracing Jane Austen’s social footsteps. Note: There are no overall tickets for the Jane Austen Festival, however, each event requires its own ticket.
What to do at the Jane Austen Festival?
1. Dress up in Regency attire
The Jane Austen Festival is most famous for The Regency Costumed Promenade. Over 500 people dressed in Regency dress will flow through the streets of Bath on Saturday, September 14. It holds the Guinness World Record for ‘Largest gathering of people dressed in Regency costumes’. Tickets for the hour-long event (leaves Holburne Museum at 11 am) cost £14 to join in, with a Regency costume mandatory, but it’s free to watch in your normal attire.
The stroll will end at the Festival Fayre (12-4pm) where you can then go on a Regency shopping spree. The Bath Assembly Rooms will house stalls offering hats, fans, gloves, hair pieces, jewellery and lots more (also on Friday, September 13). Don’t let this event dictate when you dress up though – The Theatrical Costume Hire Pop-Up will be open in the Francis Hotel throughout the festivities. So you can dress the part whenever it takes your fancy!
Why not show off your new attire at the free Regency picnic? Between noon and 3pm on Sunday, September 15, join other Austen lovers for an informal bring-your-own picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Sydney Gardens. You can also promenade along the same paths that Jane Austen herself would have and discuss any scandalous antics of the previous evening.
2. Learn to dance and attend a ball
Isn’t attending a ball what everyone dreams of? Well, there are few to choose from at this year’s Jane Austen Festival – many of which are at Bath’s historic Assembly Rooms, the same place that Austen herself frequented. These are the Dancers Harvest Ball (September 13), Netherfield Assembly Ball (September 14) and Northanger Abbey Gothic Ball (September 21). If you’re worried about making a fool of yourself in front of your Mr Darcy, there are several Pre-Ball Dance Workshops to refresh your dance moves too.
3. Walk around Bath like Jane Austen
Bath is very much a walking city. It is absolutely packed with wonderful and historic sites to visit. Plenty of official walking tours will be available throughout the festivities, all focussed on various themes. Some of the highlights include Austen’s Lost & Found, a hilarious immersive walking show (September 14, 15 & 21) from The Natural Theatre Company, and Beastly Bath, an unconventional walk through more sordid aspects of 18th-century life (September 18).
But, like a true Austen character, why take control of your destiny and plan a route yourself? From Austen’s house at 4 Sydney Place to her favourite walk through Sydney Gardens, as well as a stop at The Assembly Rooms (featured in Persuasion) where she attended balls. So much of Bath is a treat to discover. From the Roman Baths to the Royal Crescent, you’ll hardly put a foot wrong.
4. Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea
All that walking is going to do a number on your feet, especially if you’re dressed up and feel the rub on those pointy flats, so why not stop off for some afternoon tea? The Great British pastime was arguably at its most popular during the Regency era. Stop by the Regency Tea Room on the 2nd floor of the Jane Austen Centre to treat yourself to a selection of delicious cakes and savour a pot of tea.
Of course, it’s not the only place to grab afternoon tea. This is Bath! You can’t blink for stumbling across a jam-and-cream scone. Other options also include the equally fabulous Pump Room Restaurant and Sally Lunn’s – known as the home of the Bath Bunn.
What else is on?
There is so much happening at the Jane Austen Festival this year that we cannot dream of covering it all. You’ll find canal cruises, breakfasts, talks, exhibitions, workshops – from fencing to parasol-making – croquet games, bus tours, theatrical performances and so much more.
The festival will end with a free and informal Mini-Promenade stroll at noon on Sunday, September 22 from the Royal Crescent to Bath Abbey. Your last chance to show off your Regency finery along the pavements of Bath. To see the full schedule of the Jane Austen Festival head here.