The 9th Annual Jane Austen Festival to celebrate her legacy
This year's festival commemorates the 200th year of her passing
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 20, 2017) – Lovers of literary romance and the English novelist Jane Austen will gather in Louisville for the 9th Annual Jane Austen Festival the weekend of July 14, 15 & 16, 2017, at Historic Locust Grove. This annual festival is the largest Jane Austen event in North America and is open to the public. You do not need to be a member of the Jane Austen Society to attend.
This year’s festival will celebrate “Jane Austen’s Legacy, 1775-1817.” As part of the weekend, attendees can honor the 200th year of Jane’s passing in the Regency Mourning Procession on Sat., July 15, at 3 p.m. Saturday’s event will attempt a Guinness Book World Record as the Largest Mourning Procession. Information on Mourning attire and traditions can be found at the festival’s website. Various vendors will have black accessories and even sashes for attendees to purchase to wear.
The featured speaker of the weekend is Dr. Cheryl Kinney who will deliver “The Eulogy Jane Austen Should Have Had.” Kinney is from Dallas and travels the world speaking on Jane Austen.
The first day of the festival is Bastille Day. Napoleon and Lord Nelson (both Colonial Williamsburg interpreters) will present “Gods of War.” It will be followed by a short presentation of what happened on July 14, 1789, in France.
Other events planned for the weekend include a Regency fashion show, Regency Emporium, Regency Fashion Display, Four Course Afternoon Tea, a Children’s Tea, a Grand Ball, workshops, a duel between gentlemen, Bare Knuckle boxing demonstration, Bobbin Lace making demonstration, an encampment of His Majesty’s Royal Navy and a Punch & Judy show as well as tours of the 1790’s Georgian home. Shopping, musical entertainment and food will also be on hand throughout the event.
Festival times are Friday, 6 - 9 p.m; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $6 on Friday, and $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult. Some of the events do require an additional charge. Advance registration is now open, and is highly recommended for the afternoon tea, workshops and the Grand Ball as they sell-out before the festival opens.
Updated information, and the entire festival schedule can be found at www.jasnalouisville.com.