Jane Austen Festival 2012 - 3rd and Final Part

I returned to Bath the following weekend to attend the two balls of the Festival. The first one was on the Friday night, and was held in the Pump Rooms. As usual I managed to forget my camera, so was relying on my mobile, but of course it decided to have a tantrum so unfortunately I didn't manage to take any photos of that ball. :(. However the next evening, at the second ball, my mobile decided to cooperate, and here is the result.

The ball was held in the Assembly Rooms. 

And the evening started out very genteel

...and happy

...until one lady insulted another

...and a fan duel broke out :)

And another

After the duels we all calmed down, entered the building in a most ladylike manner, and viewed the rooms where the evenings entertainment was due to take place.

The ballroom

Absolutely gorgeous ceiling.

The dancing commenced

After a bit of dancing we stopped for supper.

Aurora looking rather sad. Claire and Aylwen chatting. It was a buffet and each table was called up one at a time to get their food, and for some reason we were the last table. It was a long wait, hence the sad face! :)

Aylwen and her modern water bottle!!!! Shocking! Gorgeous gown though. :)

:)

Pretty marzipan. I hate the taste but wish I loved it as it is always made up into such pretty objects. :)

After supper we returned to the dance floor

Aylwen and Aurora dancing. They had such funny facial expression, but sadly you can't really see them as the photo is so blurry. I really need to invest in a good camera!

I did enjoy the ball - had great fun playing cards, dancing and eating good food, but I had to sit out quite a few of the dances as there weren't enough partners/room, which was rather annoying. But I was there with a lovely group of friends who made the evening - lots of laughing. :)

I had a wonderful time at the Festival and am already looking forward to next year, I am determined to try and make the whole week and not just the weekends.  :)

Jane Austen Festival 2012: Part 2

The following day we went on a second promenade, the Mini Prom. As the name suggests it was shorter than the one the day before and there were less people, but it was great fun. It was really a history walk around part of the city. Our guide was the Centre's meeter and greeter Martin, and the tour ended at the Holburn Museum where the intention was to have a picnic in the garden. 

I love this lady's pelisse.

The entrance to Laura Chapel, where Jane Austen worshiped. Sadly the church is no longer there.

Jeanette and Aylwen 'rummaging through their reticules'. :)

Really want this riding habit. 

Taking photos outside Jane Austen's  house, 4 Sydney Place. 

This lady's outfit was amazing. She made everything. So want this outfit.

The Holbourne Museum. The weather wasn't great, so after having a piece of lovely quiche with some friends, I went inside to the museum to join Aurora and Aylwen in the cafe.

After lunch we set off for Queen's Square to attend an embroidery class. It was run by the very talented seamstress, Charlotte Raine, who gave the reticule class I did at last years festival. As with the last class, it was great fun, though I do feel there were too many people, and that the 2 hours allotted for the class wasn't long enough. In the reticule class there were only about 8 of us and we all had such fun chatting about all things regency, sewing, drinking tea and eating biscuits. This year there were too many people to chat to everyone and it was less cosy and sewing circle like. However, it was very well taught and I did enjoy it.

A few people staring at the ceiling before the class started :).

Aurora and Jeanette

Other attendees

The ceiling-staring people hard at work

Sadly soon after the class I had to leave the lovely regency world and catch a train back to London as I had work the next day. But happily I was able to go down the following weekend for the balls. :)

Jane Austen Festival 2012: Part 1

I am slowly but surely catching up on my blogging! Next for your perusal is my report on the Jane Austen Festival 2012. Sadly this year, as I predicted, I wasn't allowed to take time off work, so I missed out on the events during the week. But at least I got to go to a few on the weekends. 

Well of course the first event of the week was the promenade, the grand opening, where everyone shows off their smartest daywear. :)

Aurora wearing her gorgeous new pelisse and hat. Me serious want!,

Waiting in Queens Square for the promenade to start.

The promenade begins...

Walking past the Jane Austen Centre.

An adorable dog that turned around just as I was taking its picture. :(

A traffic jam in Milsom street. 

Priscilla and Claire looking ever so elegant! 

A lady wearing a beautiful open robe.

Admiring the soldiers in Parade Gardens (where the promenade ended). 

The dancers of Steps in Time performing in the gardens.

Two girls wearing beautiful spencers!

Promenaders watching the dancing.

Aurora, I and Jeanette

Shopping at the local village shop :)

That evening we went to see a Georgian play at the Guildhall. Apparently it was originally written for the actor David Garrick.

I have to admit that the first half was rather hard to follow (a mixture of strong scottish accents and georgian language) but the second half was much better.

Here are a few photos of the actors:

Next post: 2nd Promenade and embroidery.