The Jane Austen Festival Bicentenary Regency Costumed Summer Ball
Celebrating Northanger Abbey and the life of Jane Austen
Saturday 1st July 2017
at
The Guildhall, High Street, Bath
Doors open 6.30pm, Dancing commences at 7pm
Carriages at 11pm
Tickets: £68 each SOLD OUT
Tickets for the Ball include entrance, the dancing, entertainment and a delicious two course buffet. The tables seat ten and when purchasing tickets please tell us who you wish to sit near and if you are vegetarian or have a food allergy. (By email to Rachel assistantjafestivalbath@gmail.com) There is a cash only bar for the purchase of liquid refreshments.
Tickets for the Pre-Ball Dance Workshop in the afternoon are for those attending the Ball details from here
The venue is close to Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge with nearest parking in Manvers Street car park or the Podium Shopping Centre. Everyone arrives in costume to the Ball, there is somewhere to hang a coat and umbrella but no changing facilities.
Dances are called by the wonderful Diana Campbell website and there is live music supplied by the superb trio Green Ginger website. The Ball would not be complete without our very special MC and John White of Select Society website will be with us announcing and organising the card tables.
Our Ball is a costumed event and all ladies and gentlemen dress in the style of the Regency or 18th Century period. The look is the Empire line, with a high waist just below the bust, very flattering and feels wonderful to wear. This is a terrific opportunity to go to town and wear a ball gown or breeches, plus all the accessories which look fantastic. Ideas for costumes can be found on our website under Other Information and Costume 101 where you will find links to suppliers and rental companies. Bath Theatrical Costume Hire in Frome, Somerset, 01373 472786 are particularly helpful.
Regency dancing is elegant and refined and even though some of the same steps can be found in a Barn Dance it is far less boisterous; after all we are ladies and gentlemen of quality not of the lesser sort! However, it is energetic and can be tough on the calf muscles but you do not have to dance every dance! There is no need to bring a partner of the opposite sex or indeed a partner at all, as you will be made most welcome even if you come on your own. We usually find that there are more ladies then men, the same was true in Jane Austen’s day, so there will be times when ladies dance with ladies and it does not matter a bit.
Tickets will be posted for free to UK addresses.
Tickets to overseas will be available to collect from the Festival Stewards at the venue 30 minutes before the Dance Workshop or 30 minutes before the Ball. Please bring a copy of the email confirmation of purchase with you.
