| Where: | Bath, Somerset at locations around the city centre, with Promenade beginning at Royal Crescent and ending at Holburne Museum via Pulteney Bridge |
| When: | Early September with Promenade usually on the Second Saturday of the month |
| Time: | Promenade 11 am |
The annual Jane Austen Festival at Bath celebrates the ever-popular author in a setting worthy of the genteel world presented in her novels, indeed Miss Austen visited the city numerous times herself as Bath was a fashionable destination in Regency times. While plenty of literary festivals exist around the year, this is one of a few that make a real spectacular out of the connections between the author and the location, and the event lasts over ten days, drawing visitors from all over the world. The main event is the costumed Promenade of literally hundreds people in the costumes of the period, which takes place on the first Saturday and lasts around an hour- even the Stewards wear appropriate finery in the parade which makes nice change from high-vis vests, especially for the photographers amongst us. Expect dashing soldiers, fine bonneted ladies and dapper dandies in the parade, and a host of other connected events such as talks, workshops, guided walks, elegant dancing and theatrical performances, and a costumed ball. When we visited, there were over 2000 participants in the parade.
Helpful Hints
In 2027 it should run from Friday 10th to Sunday 19th September with the Promenade on Saturday 11th. Full details will appear on the excellent website below in due course. Prospective participants in the parade need to purchase tickets in advance (see website link below) but visitors can just turn up and watch free of charge.
Click here for the event website: https://janeausten.co.uk
and here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/janeaustenfestivalbath
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