Hello, dear friends. This week kicks off the annual Jane Austen Festival in England. Over 3,500 people are expected to attend the 10-day event in Bath, England. Earlier this summer, Heritage Village Museum in Sharonville, Ohio, hosted the Jane Austen Festival 2025. This year marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, which makes these events all the more special.
Heritage Village is a living history museum featuring several historical buildings from the 1800s that represent 19th century life in Southwest Ohio.
The grounds and garden areas are also laid out in a historical fashion.
Which makes the museum site a lovely backdrop for such an event.
Classes and Presentations
The three day event featured several classes and fabulous presentations on all manner of 19th century living.
A wide variety of topics were covered.
There were art based classes, fashionable pursuits, sewing instruction, drinks, travel, daily life and so much more.
I spoke on Country Fashions and Georgian Gardening.
Longtime readers of this site are probably very aware that both of these topics are a passion of mine.
As learning occurs in a variety of ways I offered a slide show as well as hands on and visual displays.
Jane Austen Festival Shoppes
The festival featured several wonderful shoppes.
All manner of goods could be procured.
It was a true visual delight to see these ladies, bedecked in bonnet and other finery peruse the wares of one shopkeeper.
Virgil’s Fine Goods had an absolutely lovely display.
Such glorious offerings!
I spent quite a bit of time at Timely Tresses and came away with treasures for my son’s upcoming wedding.
The caps at Flying Heart Millinery were true works of art.
The Tea
A lovely tea was held on both Saturday and Sunday.
I was able to attend the Sunday tea and enjoyed it fully.
One sponsor was Churchill’s Fine Teas. The owner gave a nice overview of the various selections on offer.
The Ball
The ball was held at the Cincinnati Woman’s Club. It had a lovely garden just outside of the dining area.
My two darling friends, Kirstyn of Finishing Touches Costuming and Dixie DIY looked resplendent in their ballgowns.
The Victorian Romanian and Black Orchid Atelier were positively stunning.
Angela Trowbridge Burnley was the picture of perfection.
Charm was found in every cozy corner.
Everyone soon gathered in the ballroom.
The English Country Dancing was such fun. Both the musicians and caller were very well skilled.
Plenty of fun was also had in the other rooms. Rebecca Burnham of Shocking Bad Hats and Julia Bennett of The Bohemian Belle 1800 were happy to share all the details regarding their beautifully embroidered gowns.
The Grand Promenade
Each day a grand promenade was held on the grounds of the museum. It was such fun to see all of the wonderful fashions. This elegant couple had traveled in their barouche all the way from Canada.
The lovely Jess Storey and her darling daughter wore some of my favorite fashions of the event.
Had Elizabeth Bennett met this charming clergyman, instead of Mr. Collins, I fear Mr. Darcy would not have had a chance.
Dear Nina looking radiant in her lovely frock and bonnet!
I loved every INCH of these country fashions! I wish I had gotten their names.
Brooke Welborn (shown on the right) is currently involved in a wonderful project with Mount Vernon. For those of you who are participating in the 1776 Create Along I think you will enjoy her research and work immensely!
1776 Create Along
Please join in the fun! Use the hashtag #1776createalong on Instagram and Facebook.
The Victorian Barroom
I have a special treat for you. Amy Liebert (Places In Time) and Brian Cushing (Notes From The Victorian Man) are the hosts of the popular YouTube channel The Victorian Barroom. They graciously gave a fabulous interview about the festival, Brian’s presentations and their new old home in this week’s video.
This Week’s Video
This week’s video features an dazzling overview of the 2025 Jane Austen Festival.
If you wish to view the video in a larger format, just click on the black box in the lower right-hand corner that says Watch on YouTube.
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” – Northanger Abbey
I’ll be back on Wednesday with my Regency Era capsule wardrobe worn at the festival.
Laura
Laura what fun! You are amazing and all the costumes are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your passion. Hugs my friend.
So delightful! I would love to go one day!
This looks like such fun. You really had to be in your element! Love your dress and the setting is perfection. Don’t you wish you could be in Bath right now? Fantastic!