Jane Austen Festival

The Jane Austen Festival is an annual extravaganza for all lovers of Austen and the Regency era. Running for over a week every September, the festival includes a wide range of events themed around Jane Austen and her period, including history talks, guided tours, outings and, of course, balls. For many, especially tourists, the absolute highlight of the festival is the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade on the first weekend, in which hundreds of gorgeously-attired participants parade through Bath’s finest Georgian streets in their finery. Even if you don’t get involved in any of the festival’s organised events, it is well worth turning up as a spectator to witness the sight of this fun and colourful evocation of Bath’s heyday. Admire dashing military officers and elegant ladies as they picnic in front of the Royal Crescent! Find yourself queueing at a café behind dashing Regency couples! Shop for a bonnet or parasol at the Festival Fayre! Or just enjoy the charming window into Bath’s history.

The festival is organised by Bath’s Jane Austen Centre and the dates are already set for 2024 and 2025. So if you’re thinking of planning a visit to Bath and are keen on Austen, the Georgian era, and history coming alive, why not consider timing your trip to attend the festival, or to enjoy it as a backdrop to your stay?

Jane Austen Festival 2023

See my photos from the 2023 Jane Austen Festival: Jane Austen Festival 2023