Here are some photos from the 2023 Jane Austen Festival. The Grand Regency Costumed Promenade was a joyous spectacle of colour and costume, and the Festival Fayre was a great opportunity to see the interiors of the Assembly Rooms brought alive by crowds in historic dress – as well as a chance to stock up on bonnets, jewellery and Austen-related gifts.
In a late summer heatwave, parasols and fans were deployed to great advantage. The costumes and attention to detail were glorious, and the whole atmosphere was amiable and delightful. Some lucky onlookers and visitors to the Fayre were in Bath by chance, visiting from the far side of the world, and couldn’t believe their luck at seeing this celebration of the world of their favourite author. Festival attendees promenading in costume came from all around the globe – we heard lots of languages including Italian.
Sunday’s picnickers in front of the Royal Crescent braved clouds and light rain showers, but were rewarded with the reappearance of the sun during the afternoon.
(I still have a handful of other photos to add when I’ve time this week – follow this page or follow me on X for updates: https://twitter.com/TouristHeaven)
