With her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey both being based in Bath, the city has taken to honouring Jane Austen each and every year with the Jane Austen Festival
Over 3500 Austen fans flock to the city in their Regency finery (many from aboard) and you too can join the throng by strolling along the same streets that the author herself once did. For those of you who aren't so keen to don the fancy dress, fear not, there are many events at the festival which don't require top hat or bonnet!Austen fans who are keen to learn about the Regency period can enjoy lectures, talks and tours which focus on her six novels which have been enjoyed for the past 200 years. Also on the festival line-up are comedy walking tours, theatricals, croquet and fencing, parasol making, fabric dyeing, dance workshops and two hotly anticipated costume balls.
The official festival begins on Friday September 13 with a 3 hour minibus tour around 'Jane Austen's Bath' which includes a stop at Charlcombe which was described by Jane as 'being sweetly situated in a little green valley' and the best view of Bath from 'Noble Hill' (tickets £48) The line-up is then action-packed for the full 10 days. Fancy a trip to the Regency hair salon? or perhaps you'd like to attend a specially themed Regency-themed church service in Bath Abbey? Both are on the agenda.Creatives may enjoy the Regency silhouette embroidery classes which are being run by Abigail Rose Creative (£60) and you can create your own personalised piece of artwork as a memento. Those with a keen interest in architecture may wish to attend Dr Amy Frost's talk about the building of Northanger Abbey where members of the audience are also asked to bring their drawing skills with them and embrace the world of Gothic architecture (£13) For a spot of Regency fun, how about embracing the games of cup&ball and spillikins at the Regency Games Night held in The Botanist Bath? This venue was formally The Octagon Chapel where Jane Austen is believed to have reserved a pew whenever she visited the city.
If you have children or grandchildren in tow then there are also catered for - keep an eye on the storytime sessions at Bath Central Library with a regency twist on Tuesday September 17 (free)
The Grand Regency Costumed Promenade takes place on Saturday September 14 and begins at 11am in front of The Holburne Museum, the promenade is free to watch for spectators (or £14 to take part)
Visit janeausten.co.uk - and do note that many events do need to be booked in advance.
