Fans mark Austen's 250th birthday in Regency style

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  1. A group of people in a regency costume promenade for the Jane Austen Festival in Bath. Three women can be seen at the forefront of the image. One is holding a yellow floral parasol and is wearing an orange dress, a mustard yellow cropped jacket and a hat with red, orange and yellow feathers.
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    People travelled from all over the world to attend the Jane Austen Festival in Bath

Chloe Harcombe
West of England

Thousands of literature fans have taken part in the Jane Austen Festival, celebrating the author's 250th birthday.

People from across the world descended on Bath, Somerset, for the 10-day festival.

Many donned period clothing as they took a step back in time at events including themed walks, Regency-era balls and a costumed promenade.

The city first hosted the festival over a weekend in September 2001, and it has grown into a longer event that attracts 3,500 people every year.

Austen, who wrote Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma, became synonymous with Bath, having lived in the city from 1801 to 1806.

A large crowd of people wearing regency costumes for the Jane Austen Festival in Bath. They are pictured on the grass in front of the Royal Crescent, a historic, semi circle shaped building made out of Cotswold stone. The property has many windows on it. Sean Strange
A large crowd of people dressed in regency costumes for the Jane Austen Festival. The image is focused on a woman wearing a blue dress, a bonnet and carrying a white lace parasol. Getty Images

Stepping back in time: This year's festival began with more than 2,000 people in regency attire for a costumed promenade.

They gathered at the Royal Crescent, donning bonnets, feathers and parasols, before making their way through the city streets.

Four women dressed in regency costume dancing. They are holding hands and standing in a circle. They are in a ballroom full of others taking part in the event. Elizabeth Watts
A ballroom full of people dancing while wearing regency costumes. They are all in couples. There are chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.Sean Strange

May I have this dance? A series of regency balls were held for costumed attendees.

The Jane Austen Dancers of Bath rehearsed in advance before running classes and performing at the events, which ran throughout the festival.

A shot taken at night time. There is a large crowd of people all facing a light display depicting the silhouette of Jane Austen. A union jack flag can be seen next to it and there are red fireworks shooting up to the sky.Steve Strange
A photo of Sydney Gardens in Bath. There is a large group of people wearing regency costume as part of the Jane Austen Festival. There is a floral display depicting an open book that reads 250 2025. The silhouette of Jane Austen is also part of the display. Lights can be seen in the gardens.Sean Strange

Lighting up: The first weekend of celebrations drew to a close with decorative displays and fireworks in Sydney Gardens.

The Jane Austen Festival returns to Bath from 11-20 September 2026.

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