Jane Austen Festival Bath 2017
Posted on: 05 Sep 2017When you’re in Bath, you very quickly become accustomed to the sight of people in costume. Whether it’s for a film shoot, a photo shoot or for work at an attraction, regency bonnets and dresses are a regular sight. However, dressing up in Bath is not just for the professionals. Since 2009, Bath has been hosting the Jane Austen Festival. There are a number of events throughout the festival, but the one that has perhaps the highest public profile is the Costumed Charity Promenade. With over 500 participants, the promenade starts at the Royal Crescent Lawn and makes its stately way though through the streets of Bath. Taking part is ticketed (available from the festival marquee), but it’s free to watch. You can find out more about the promenade here.
Such is the popularity of the festival that many of the other events are now sold out, but you can join the festival’s mailing list to get the head’s up on next year’s event. Below are some of our top picks for the evens which still have tickets remaining.
Tickets for all events are available from Bath Box Office.
Austen and the Architectural Imagination in Northanger Abbey – Dr Amy Frost
Monday, September 11, 2017 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at
Museum of Bath Architecture
Dr Amy Frost exploring the role of architecture both real and imagined, in Northanger Abbey. This talk has been produced specially for the Festival and is presented in the atmospheric location of the Bath Museum of Architecture.
Jane Austen and the ‘King of Bling’ – Catherine Curzon
Monday, September 11, 2017 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
The Mission Theatre
You might be forgiven for thinking that the regency period was all about manners. Be prepared to have your mind changed! This lively talk delves into the sometimes shocking, always scandalous, private life of ‘the first gentleman of England’. It suggests why Austen boldly declared she ‘hated’ this monarch even after she was his honoured guest at London’s most prestigious address. The other side to this saucy Sovereign was a man who championed Jane Austen and her works which secured the Regent his very own dedication from the author he adored.
Engraving the £5 Notes – presentation by Graham Short
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 3:30 pm - 4:45 pm
The Mission Theatre
The artist Graham Short, who recently caused a stir by engraving the face of Jane Austen on £5 notes, explains how he works on such a tiny scale. ‘I go to greater lengths than anyone else in the world. Working from midnight to 5.00 am, to avoid vibration from passing traffic, I lower my pulse to 20 beats a minute and … engrave between heartbeats when I am perfectly still.’
Gothic for Girls – History Wardrobe
Saturday, September 16, 2017, 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm
The Mission Theatre
Whether you’re a minimalist, a lover of the gothic or simply a fan of practical clothing, black is an enduring classic choice. Expert costume historian Lucy Adlington takes you into the world of classic supernatural stories in this exciting new presentation, showcasing sinister women and looking at the enduring lure of black in fashion. Expect exquisite costumes and darkly dramatic readings from the best of British ‘Gothic’ writing, including Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, Mary Shelley, Mrs Radcliffe, Charles Dickens, Horace Walpole… and coming right up to date with The Woman in Black. In true History Wardrobe style, the presentation will feature many original costumes and accessories.
Photo Credits; All photos from http://www.janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk/ and are taken by Owen Benson. http://owenbensonvisuals.photoshelter.com
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Sarah's natural habitat is anywhere cosy, preferably with a cup of tea. She is a lover of afternoon tea, Sunday roasts and BBQ. Sarah is passionate about supporting indie shops, stands, markets and restaurants, and has a particular weakness for Stuff In Jars, knitting and rose-flavoured puddings.