Events

Jane Austen Festival

September 01, 2026 13:31

The Jane Austen Festival is an annual literary and historical festival in Bath, dedicated to the life and works of Jane Austen, as well as the Regency era.

In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the programme and useful information for visitors.

Year of foundation	2001
Festival number	25
Type of festival	Literary and historical
Date	11 September – 20 September 2026
Duration	10 days
Venue	Bath, Great Britain
Number of visitors	Over 3 500
Organiser	The Jane Austen Centre
Tickets	Sold separately for each event
Tickets for the Promenade	Adult wristband – £15,00 Children under 16 – free
Official website	https://janeausten.co.uk/pages/festival-home-page

From Jane Austen's novel "Emma":

You must be the best judge of your own happiness.

About the festival

The festival was first held in 2001, when it lasted just one weekend. It took place at The Jane Austen Centre. Over the years, the festival has grown into a ten-day event and has become an international occasion, attracting Jane Austen fans from all over the world. The organisers describe it as the largest and longest-running festival dedicated to the writer.

Jane Austen’s connection with Bath is one of the reasons why the city became the natural venue for this event. The author lived in the town from 1801 to 1806, and it features in her works, notably in "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion". For this reason, the festival makes use not of abstract sets, but of Bath’s real streets, squares and historic buildings.

Festival programme

In 2026, the festival programme will feature over 200 events. The organisers have published the full schedule on the official website.

Date	Upcoming events
Friday, 11 September	9:00 – Jane Austen's Bath, Minibus tour 10:00 – Oh Sew Quiet Workshop, Bath Central Library 12:00 – Friday Festival Fayre, multiple venues 12:00 – Courtship with Kim Hicks talk, Theatre Royal 12:00 – Discussing Aunts in Austen! Bookclub, Bath Central Library 12:30 – 17:30 – Promenade Wristband pick-up, Guildhall 14:00 – Austens' Arcadia talk, Theatre Royal 14:00 – Molland's Friday Afternoon Regency Assembly, Guildhall 14:00 – Jane Austen's Bath Homes walking tour 15:30 – Draw Back the Curtain talk, Theatre Royal 16:40 – 19:00 – Museum Lates at No.1 Royal Crescent 19:00 – 1811 Sense & Sensibility themed Regency Ball, Guildhall 20:00 – 21:00 – Promenade Wristband pick-up, Guildhall
Saturday, 12 September	9:00 – A Very Private Public Breakfast – Kinwarton, Upper Camden Place 11:00 – Grand Regency Costumed Promenade 12:00 – Saturday Festival Fayre, across multiple venues 12:30 – A Whole Campful of Soldiers, Holburne Museum Grounds 13:00 – Jane Austen table-top Escape Room, Bath Central Library 13:00 & 15:00 – Croquet Game, Bath Croquet Club 13:15 – "Carriages" to Meryton & Longbourne, Mini Bus Tour 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 – Jane Austen: Incurable Romantic, A brand new wandering show in the heart of Bath 13:30 – Make Sew Bold: Customise a Retule Workshop, Edgar Buildings 14:00 – Molland's Saturday Afternoon Regency Assembly, Guildhall 14:00 – Archery, Brocks Outdoor Adventure, Kelston 16:00 – Rummaging Through The Reticule, Kinwarton, Upper Camden Place 18:30 – Beginners Harvest Regency Ball, Guildhall 18:45 – Emma at Bath Abbey (Film) 20:00 – Dancers Harvest Regency Ball, Guildhall
Sunday, 13 September	7:45 – In Pursuit of Jane Austen, Minibus tour to Hampshire 10:00 – A Very Private Public Breakfast – Kinwarton, Upper Camden Place 10:00 – From Rags to Royal Navy: Captain Wentworth, Prize Law, and the Legalities of Land Ownership & Social Mobility in Persuasion talk, Guildhall 10:00 & 14:30 – Jane Austen & Bath, walking tour 10:00 – A Whole Campful of Soldiers, Holburne Museum Grounds 13:00 – "Music & Songs of the Redcoats" 14:00 – "The Duel" – What if Colonel Brandon had shot Willoughby? 11:00 – Musical Women: Science or Seduction in Jane Austen's time, Guildhall 11:00 – Pride & Prejudice First Lines, Embroidery Workshop, St James Wine Vaults 11:30 – Retelling Jane Austen: Lucy Andrew’s Harriet Smith Investigates: A Very Vexing Murder talk, Guildhall 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30 – Jane Austen: Incurable Romantic – A brand new wandering show in the heart of Bath 11:30 – Regency Sung Eucharist – Church Service, Bath Abbey 12:00 – Regency Picnic, Sydney Gardens 13:00 & 15:00 – Croquet Games, Bath Croquet Club 14:00 – Dorset Buttons: An elegant button for a more civilized age – workshop, Guildhall 14:30 Fencing Workshop, Guildhall 15:00, 16:00 & 17:00 – Gothic Tales from the Tower – Beckfords Tower, Lansdown 15:30 – Regency Choral Evensong – Church Service, Bath Abbey 16:00 – “Yours very affectionately, Jane” – narrated Regency dance performance, Guildhall 16:00 – Rummaging Through The Reticule – Kinwarton, Upper Camden Place 17:30 – Regency Feast, Prior Park 19:00 – 1815 Emma-themed "Switched Off" Regency Ball, Guildhall 19:30 – Austen Delights, Jane Austen Centre
Monday, 14 September	9:00 – Jane Austen's Bath, Minibus tour 9:00 – Canal Cruise Breakfast, Meet at Bath Spa Train Station 9:15 – Breakfast with Beau Nash, The Pump Room 10:00 – Fencing Workshop, City of Bath Scouts 10:00 – Where to find the Perfect Man? – Walking tour 10:30 & 14:00 – Bookbinding for Jane Austen – Workshop, BRLSI 11:30 – Clothing in the Novels of Jane Austen talk, BRLSI 12:00 – The Great Outdoors in Austen – Book Club, Bath Central Library 12:30 – Pride & Prejudice – A Murder Mystery by the Moonstone Theatre Company – The Killing at Netherfield Park, Bird Hotel 13:15 – "Carriages" to Meryton & Longbourn, Minibus tour 13:30 – Ladies & Gentlemen on Parade, Trowbridge, Meet at Bath Spa Train Station 13:30 – Canal Cruise Afternoon Tea, Meet at Bath Spa Train Station 14:00 – The Country House Dining Room: A History of Georgian Feasting, BRLSI 14:30 – Birthday Dance Celebration – Regency dance workshop, Bath Forum Ballroom 16:00 – A Beautiful Building Site: What Jane Austen’s Bath looked like – talk, BRLSI 17:00 – Jane Austen Festival Telly & Film Discussion Club, Francis Hotel 20:00 – Pride & Prejudice in Words & Music: Dinner Recital, The Pump Room 20:00 & 21:05 – Stargazing with the Bath Astronomers, Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Tuesday, 15 September	7:45 – In Pursuit of Jane Austen – Minibus tour to Hampshire 10:00 – Double Celebration – Intermediates Regency dance workshop, BRLSI 10:00 – A Novel Experience – Walking tour 10:00 – Scent and Falliabilty workshop, BRLSI 10:00 – Bonnet or Turban workshop – The Art Pad 11:00 & 14:00 – Fashion Museum Bath in storage – Collection tour, Warminster 12:00 – "A prettyish kind of a little wilderness" – Landscapes and Gardens in the Novels of Jane Austen – talk, BRLSI 12:00 – Death in Austen’s Novels – Book Club, Bath Central Library 12:00 – Jane Austen Afternoon Tea at The Bath Priory, Bath Priory Hotel 13:00 & 15:00 – Croquet Game, Bath Croquet Club 12:30 – Pride & Prejudice – A Murder Mystery by the Moonstone Theatre Company – The Killing at Netherfield Park, Bird Hotel 13:00 – Strawberry Pottle Basket Weaving workshoproquet Game, BRLSI 14:00 – The Regency Way of Death talk, BRLSI 14:00 – Parasol workshop – The Art Pad 14:00, 15:00 & 16:00 – Gothic Tales from the Tower – Beckfords Tower, Lansdown 14:30 – Jane Austen & Bath – Walking tour 15:30 – Diversity in Jane Austen’s Bath talk, BRLSI 18:00 – Fashion In the Time of Jane Austen: Book Talk with author Sarah Jane Downing – No.1 Royal Crescent 18:00 & 20:00 – Regency Games Evening, The Bath Gin Bar 19:15 – Ghost Walk 19:30 – Austen Delights, Jane Austen Centre
Wednesday, 16 September	7:45 – In Pursuit of Jane Austen – Minibus tour to Hampshire 9:00 – "To Sit in the Shade": An Austen Painting workshop, Prior Park 9:00 – Canal Cruise Breakfast, Meet at Bath Spa Train Station 10:00 – Fencing Improvers Workshop, City of Bath Scouts 10:00 – Make It Sew: Waistcoats at Warp speed – demonstration, BRLSI 10:00 – Around Bath with Anne Elliot – Walking tour 11:30 – Jane Austen's Bath Abbey – talk, BRLSI 12:00 – Letters in Austen's Novels – Book Club, Bath Central Library 12:00 – A Regency Keepsake: Jane Austen-Inspired Quilled Bookmarks workshop, BRLSI 12:30 – Soup to Syllabub Lunch, Bird Hotel 13:30 – Violets, Virtues, and Vanities: The Secret Language of Austen’s Flowers talk, BRLSI 13:30 – Ladies & Gentlemen on Parade, Trowbridge 13:30 – Canal Cruise Afternoon Tea, Meet at Bath Spa Train Station 14:00 – Sew Chatty – hosted at The Bath Priory 14:30 – A lively Scotch air – Regency dance workshop, City of Bath Scouts 15:00 – Reimagined: Sense and Sensibility for the 21st Century – writing workshop, BRLSI 15:30 – The Art of the Regency Seamstress with Janette Haslam: Ladies Period Costumier talk, BRLSI 18:30 – A Musical Kind of Little Wilderness performance, Bath Abbey 20:00 & 21:05 – Stargazing with the Bath Astronomers, Herschel Museum of Astronomy 20:00 – Rose Ball, The Pump Room
Thursday, 17 September	A Full Day Excursion To Lacock Bath Events: 09:00 – Jane Austen's Bath – Driver guided tour 9:00 – "To Sit in the Shade": An Austen Painting workshop, Prior Park 09:00 – "Carriages" to Meryton & Longbourn – Minibus tour 16:40 – Museum Late Opening at No 1 Royal Crescent 17:30 – Regency Rum Bluffers: Pride & Prejudice singing workshop, Old Theatre Royal 18:30 & 20:00 – Regency Games Evening, The Bath Gin Bar 19:15 – Ghost Walk 20:00 – Lovers’ Vows performance, Old Theatre Royal
Friday, 18 September	7:45 – In Pursuit of Jane Austen – Minibus tour to Hampshire 9:15 – Breakfast with Beau Nash, The Pump Room 10:00 – Tolls, trotters and equine trading in Regency England talk, BRLSI 10:00 & 12:00 – Croquet Game, Bath Croquet Club 10:00 – As Danced by Jane Austen Regency dance workshop – City of Bath Scouts 10:00 – Beechen Cliff and the Bath Landscape – Walking tour 10:00 – Bookbinding for Jane Austen workshop, BRLSI 10:30 –Oh Sew Quiet! – Bath Central Library 11:30 – Crafting Worlds: Women's Domestic Accomplishments in the Era of Jane Austen talk, BRLSI 12:00 – The Bath Novels Book Club, Bath Central Library 12:00, 13:45 & 14:45 – Taking Tea at No.1 Royal Crescent 13:30 – A Bookshelf Full of Austens talk, BRLSI 13:30 – Ladies & Gentlemen on Parade, Trowbridge 14:00 –Austen's Arcadia, Theatre Royal 14:00 – Dorset Buttons: An elegant button for a more civilized age workshop, BRLSI 14:00 – Regency Needle Case – Embroidery Workshop, St James Wine Vaults 15:30 – Crime & Punishment with John White talk, BRLSI 15:30 – Draw Back the Curtain talk, Theatre Royal 15:30 – Fencing Workshop – City of Bath Scouts 15:30 – Bling It On: Fobs, Cravats & Snuff Rings workshop, BRLSI 19:00 – Regency Masquerade Soiree Greek & Roman Gods & Goddesses theme, Roman Baths 19:00 – Regency Masquerade Soiree and Ball Greek & Roman Gods & Goddesses theme, Roman Baths and Pump Rooms 20:00 & 21:05 – Stargazing with the Bath Astronomers, Herschel Museum of Astronomy
Saturday, 19 September	7:45 – In Pursuit of Jane Austen – Minibus tour to Hampshire 10:00 – Austen Ablaze: The Destruction of Jane Austen's Letters talk, BRLSI 10:00 – Archery – Brocks Outdoor Advertures, Kelston 10:00 – A Very Private Public Breakfast – Kinwarton, Upper Camden Place 10:00 & 14:30 – Jane Austen & Bath – Walking tour 10:00 – Make Sew Bold: Customise a Mask workshop, The Art Pad 10:00 – Step Into Austen: A Full-Day Pride & Prejudice Cinema Experience, The Little Theatre 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30 – Jane Austen: Incurable Romantic - A brand new wandering show in the heart of Bath! Walking tour 11:30 – Jealousy in Jane Austen with John Mullan talk, BRLSI 12:00, 13:45 & 14:45 – Taking Tea at No.1 Royal Crescent 14:00 – Jane Austen’s Sick Characters with John Mullan talk, BRLSI 16:00 – Rummaging through the Reticule - Kinwarton, Camden Place 19:00 – Regency Masquerade Soiree Neptune Nautical theme, Roman Baths and Pump Rooms 19:00 – Regency Masquerade Soiree and Ball Neptune Nautical theme, Roman Baths and Pump Rooms
Sunday, 20 September	9:00 – Jane Austen's Bath – Minibus tour 9:30 – Make Sew Bold: Bookmark Embroidery workshop, The Art Pad 12:00 – Mini Prom – Meet below the Royal Crescent 13:00 & 15:00 – Croquet Game, Bath Croquet Club 13:15 – "Carriages" to Meryton & Longbourn – Minibus tour

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One of the main events is the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade. In 2026, it will take place on 12 September. Participants will begin gathering at the Royal Crescent, before setting off through the streets of Bath via George Street towards Great Pulteney Street.

Jane Austen Festival Promenade — Jane Austen Festival – Grand Regency Costumed Promenade

The 2026 Jane Austen Festival features a host of events across Bath, spanning ten days and united by a love of Jane Austen’s works and Regency-era culture. The programme is not just for fans of the author: there are lectures and guided tours for those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of her work, as well as more spectacular events – ranging from a costumed procession to balls, theatre productions and film screenings.

In 2026, Postscript Books will be the sponsor of the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade and will also serve as the festival’s official bookseller.

Tickets

The Jane Austen Festival does not sell a single pass for all ten days: each event is paid for separately. The program also includes free events.

To participate in the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, you need a separate ticket (wristband) costing £15,00 for adults, children under 16 are admitted free of charge, subject to the festival’s terms and conditions. You can watch the parade from the sidelines for free. The wristband not only grants you the right to join the parade but also offers discounts on admission to certain attractions in Bath, including The Jane Austen Centre.

After purchase, visitors will receive a booking confirmation via email. The QR code for the e-ticket will be sent to that email address 48 hours before the event begins. This rule applies to both UK residents and international visitors.

Information for visitors

In 2026, the festival will take place from 11 to 20 September and will last ten days. The event takes place across several venues. The 2026 programme includes: the Theatre Royal, Bath Central Library, the Guildhall, No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, the Holburne Museum, Prior Park, the Pump Room, the Roman Baths and other venues. Therefore, before buying a ticket, it is advisable to check not only the time of the event but also its specific location.

Bath is easy to explore on foot, but some events take place outside the city centre or require a separate transfer. The organisers include a link to Google Maps in the booking confirmation to help you find the right venue.

The organisers require historical costumes, primarily for the annual parade, the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, and the costumed balls. You may attend lectures, guided tours, film screenings, and most other events in everyday clothing.

Children are welcome at most events. The exception is the evening balls, which are open to visitors aged 14 and over, unless otherwise stated in the description of a specific event.

Most of the festival venues are accessible to visitors with limited mobility. When booking, the organisers recommend specifying any special requirements in the comments section.

Contact details

Telephone: +44 (0)1225 443000

Email: [email protected]

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FAQ

When will the Jane Austen Festival take place?

In 2026, the festival will run from Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September. The programme spans ten days.

Where will the events take place?

At various locations across Bath, rather than at a single festival venue. The programme features historic buildings, museums, theatres and other venues around the city.

When will the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade take place?

The Grand Regency Costumed Promenade will take place on 12 September 2026, starting at 11:00. More than 2,000 people dressed in Regency-era costumes will take part in the procession.

How much do tickets for the Jane Austen Festival cost?

There is no single price: each event has its own ticket. A separate wristband to take part in the Grand Regency Costumed Promenade costs £15,00 for adults, it is free for children under 16. Watching the parade itself is free.

September 01, 2026 13:31