This year, for the first time, I attended the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England. The festival, held every September, draws hundreds of Jane Austen fans (like me) to one of the biggest gatherings of Regency reenactors in the world.
On Saturday, my husband and I participated in the “Grand Regency Costumed Promenade.” As I mentioned in a previous post, the Bath Jane Austen Festival achieved the Guinness World Record for ‘The largest gathering of people dressed in Regency costumes’ in 2009 at 409. The number rose up to 550 in 2014. Since Bath al
ready holds the record, they did not try to set a new one this year. Instead, we paraded through the streets of this historic city simply to enjoy ourselves, honor Jane Austen, and entertain the hundreds of onlookers who lined the parade route—locals as well as tourists from all over the world. This was fine with me, because I was not terribly interested in setting a world record, but I was determined to dress my husband as Mr. Darcy, and knew this would be my best chance.
Months ahead of time, we contacted an historical costume maker in England who has made similar gentleman’s attire. She sent us fabric swatches and I sent her Brian’s measurements. After some postal delays, we received the outfit. It did not fit Brian well at all at first—likely due to my poor measuring skills. But thankfully a friend-of-a-friend is a skilled seamstress, and she altered the pieces to fit Brian better. I also ordered Brian a top hat, gentlemen’s historically-accurate silk stockings (they made him feel very masculine <wink>), and pointy-toed shoes, which allowed him to dance at the ball better than he could in tall riding boots. You really can find almost anything online. He also wore his old Bell Ringer gloves. (Don’t tell the Bell Choir director. :)) I didn’t bring any “how to tie a cravat” instructions, but thankfully another participant helped Brian tie his.
Brian’s cutaway frockcoat is a bit more Georgian in style than true Regency, which worked better with his build, though he had to add suspenders to keep up those high-waisted breeches.
And I want you to notice his long sideburns or “side-whiskers” as they were called, which he grew out to please me and look more the part of an early 19th century gentleman. Poor guy. What his coworkers must have thought! The song, “The Things We Do For Love,” seems apropos. He can’t wait to shave them off, but I like them. But then, I would. 🙂 And Brian may look cross in these photos, but he really wasn’t. He was going for a “proud and haughty Mr. Darcy look.”
I wore my new bonnet and the spencer jacket I blogged about previously (made by Matti’s Millinery), over my gold gown (made by my niece), as well as gloves and reticule. I also brought a silk parasol. The style is not 100% historically accurate, but with rain in the forecast, I decided it was “better safe than sorry.”
The phrase, “Don’t rain on my parade” ran through my mind, but unfortunately it rained a LOT during the promenade, and I was very glad indeed to have the waterproof umbrella. The streets and paths we trod were wet and dirty and I saw several ladies with hems “six inches deep in mud,” to quote Pride and Prejudice. But rain or shine, it was an enjoyable time anyway.
Our British friend, Anne Rogers, publishing professional and talented photographer, kindly rode the train in to meet us in Bath and take photographs for us. Doesn’t she do beautiful work? We really appreciated her taking the time to join us for the event.
My husband and I attended for a few days, but the entire festival lasts 10 days, offering theatre performances, walking tours, dances, workshops, readings, and more. If you are a Jane Austen fan and fellow Anglophile, you may want to attend yourself one of these days. It’s truly a memorable experience.
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Yes! What an amazing opportunity for a Janeite! I visited Bath last year, which was fabulous, but to visit during the festival would be fabulous times a thousand. Good on your hubby for being such a good sport! Love the photos 🙂
It looks like a really fun time, Julie! Your husband is a great sport and a truly great partner. (But I’m sure you already know that).
This is sooooo on my bucket list, Julie! I love your photos!
What a fabulous experience! And you and your husband are GORGEOUS! What a good sport. You should definitely frame some of those photographs and hang them up in your house so you can relive the romance of the moment whenever you like.
Lovely, Julie! So glad you were able to attend!!
So glad you got to do this! And you and hubby definitely look the part!😊
Bonus points for hubby! Experiences are always richer when we share them with the ones we love. How wonderful for you both!
Julie, thank you for sharing these lovely photos! I also agree with Beth, bonus points for hubby! He’s a keeper!
Did you do your hair? So pretty. Shout out to Brian for embracing “everything Jane” to enjoy this experience with you. My idea of a wonderful vacation. What would England be without rain?
What a great experience, Julie! You guys look fantastic. I’m sure in another lifetime you lived in this period. You fit the part so well! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers,
Sue
So lovely. What fun. You both fit right in!!
Wow, that sounds like loads of fun! And what a sweet husband you have. 😉 Y’all look amazing! 🙂
I showed this post to my youngest brother and he is now contemplating whether he would ever do such a thing for his wife. (I know he would. 😉 )
I’m so thrilled for you. My husband and I have been to Bath and the Museum. I just don’t know if I could ever get him to play the part like your husband. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Julie, I loved everything about this post. You and Brian (Mr. Darcy) make such a perfect couple. Thank you for the beautiful account of your experience in Bath.
How fun Julie!! You & your husband are so dashing together dressed up in the Regency style…how fun that he grew out his sideburns for the occasion. I loved seeing the pictures you’ve shared here. Everyone looks so regal…lol! Glad you had a great time 🙂
Julie – you and Brian look wonderful! I love his “proud and haughty” Mr. Darcy look! And he truly is a champ to grow out those side whiskers. You look gorgeous in your dress and jacket – what a treat! Can’t wait to hear all about your trip and see more pictures once you get home.
Julie–How wonderful that you got to go to the JA Festival! It’s an unfulfilled dream of mine–maybe someday. The pictures are wonderful. What a great sport you husband is–and very handsome! I love your blue velvet spencer.
It was lovely to meet you at the reticule discussion (we sat next to each other during the tea and scones. I was the one who lost her bag ‘o Jane Austen goodies, but I am happy to report I found the bag and nothing missing!) You and your husband/Darcy were the best dressed in the promenade and the dance. The photos are wonderful!
I’m happy you were able to attend this year, Julie! Your costumes are great. I enjoy your novels so much!