2024 Jane Austen Festival Workshops
Parasol Making Workshop
14:00 - Wednesday 11th, Tuesday 17th & Thursday 19th September
Under the expert guidance of Sylvia Spilsbury from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire, create and cover your own parasol with an exclusively designed canopy. Pre-select your fabric to complement your costume. The parasol comes with a longer, detachable handle and matching storage sleeve. Leave with a completed parasol, a pattern, and the knowledge of how to create your own canopy to change as you please. All materials included along with complimentary tea and cake.
Venue: Bath Elim Church, Charlotte St, BA1 2ND
Reticule Making Workshop
10:00 - Thursday 12th,
A reticule for a daytime promenade or an evening Ball is a must! Under the expert guidance of Sylvia Spilsbury from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire, using vintage sewing machines, create your very own reticule. Pre-select your fabric and choose from an assortment of designs to complement your costume. You’ll take home a beautiful personally designed creation. ‘Make your own’ gift packs will also be available to purchase after the workshop (5 styles – one pattern). All materials included along with complimentary tea and cake.
Venue: Bath Elim Church, Charlotte St, BA1 2ND
Bonnet or Turban Making Workshop
14:00 - Thursday 12th & Wednesday 18th September
Tuesday 17th September- 10:00 (Turbans only)
Add the finishing touch to your exquisite outfit. Under the expert guidance of Sylvia Spilsbury from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire, using vintage sewing machines, create your very own bonnet or turban. Pre-select your fabric and choose from an assortment of designs (straw or fabric bonnets, satin or fabric turbans) to complement your costume. You’ll take home a beautiful personally designed creation. All materials included along with complimentary tea and cake.
Venue: Bath Elim Church, Charlotte St, BA1 2ND
Netherfield Assembly Ball Pre - Ball Dance Workshops
This Regency dance workshop is a practice session for those attending the Netherfield Ball on Saturday 14th September, led by Liz Bartlett of the Jane Austen Dancers.
If you are new to Regency dancing, this workshop is for you, as it will cover the basic steps & patterns, and give you the chance to learn some of the dances ready for the Assembly in the evening.
Purchase together with your Netherfield Ball ticket as these workshop tickets are not sold separately.
Venue: Tea Room, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, BA1 2QH
"To be a Fan of Dancing" – Regency dance workshop
Not only did a fan keep you cool in a heated ballroom and allow secret messaging, but forgetful dancers, hoping to impress, could take a quick peek at the printed dance instructions! The Jane Austen Dancers select some fast and slow dances from surviving paper fans, to make an unforgettable dancing session for all Jane Austen “fans”!
Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ
Regency Silhouette Embroidery - Workshop
Monday 16th September - 10:00
Create your own personalised Regency silhouette (just like Jane Austen’s) but with needle and thread! Using the same techniques from over 200 years ago, you will create a piece of embroidery with the added sparkle of metallic thread, embellish with your choice of modern or historical designs. All materials and instruction are provided by Abigail Rose. Beginners welcome. Refreshments will be provided.
Venue: Percy Community CentreNew King St, BA1 2BN
Fencing Workshops
Tuesday 17th September - 10:00 & 11:30
Join a Fencing taster workshop with Bath Sword Club and enjoy a taste of the sport rumoured to be Mr Darcy’s favourite. Learn offensive & defensive stances, putting them into choreographed non-contact sequences to experience your own ‘dual’. Regency costume very welcome, but please be aware that protective safety equipment will be worn including a full head mask and glove. Flat shoes advised.
Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ
Fabric Dyeing Workshops
Led by Dr Lindsey Holmes, this workshop allows you to try your hand at dyeing fabrics using plants and flowers, exploring both period and modern techniques. You will create a range of swatches and a guide on how to repeat these processes once you get home, with advice suited to your local plants and flowers.
Feel free to bring small samples of fabrics you want to dye, although everything you need will be provided!
Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ
“She danced next with an officer” – Regency dance workshop
Whether you prefer Mr. Wickham, Captain Wentworth or Colonel Brandon, join the Jane Austen Dancers and try your hand at some military-inspired Regency dances. This is aimed at all levels of ability and there’s no need to bring a partner. Period costume is welcome (regimentals very welcome!), but not essential.
Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ
Singing with Jane Austen - workshop
Wednesday 18th September - 14:00
Regency Rum Bluffers will lead an energetic and engaging group singing workshop with songs heard in Jane Austen’s lifetime. Participants will sing as a group a variety of songs including nursery rhymes, love songs and a song written by Jane's music teacher. There is no need to read music, we will teach you everything by ear and lyrics will be provided. Everyone is welcome!
Venue: The Mission Theatre, 32 Corn Street, BA1 1UF
Regency Hand Sewing Workshop
Friday 20th September - 9:30
Learn to hand sew various different Regency appropriate stitches with Mackenzie of Fig Leaf Patterns during this hands-on workshop. A period correct sewing kit with a small booklet of stitches & useful information will be provided, for you to use during the class and to keep afterwards. All attendees will need to bring their own scissors and dressmaking pins to use. This class is suitable for those with little to no sewing experience, a basic starter session to begin your Regency costuming journey.
Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
Drawstring Spencer Toile Workshop
Friday 20th September - 13:30
Join this workshop and learn to assemble and fit a toile mock-up of this Drawstring Spencer (pattern 123) from Fig Leaf Patterns. The printed pattern will be supplied for you.
When booking please choose from either the size 8-18 or 18-28 pattern, using your high waistband measurement as a guide. All attendees will need to bring their own fabric scissors and dressmaking pins. You will also need to supply your own cheaper fabric for the toile, and own fashion fabric and lining fabric.
Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
Mr Bennet's Jig - Regency dance workshop
Friday 20th September - 14:00
Join our own Mr Bennet of the Jane Austen Dancers and jig your way through some of his favourite dances, suited to all levels of experience. Mr Bennet's dance class will set you up for dancing like the members of polished society who frequented the balls of Miss Austen's era.
Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ
Northanger Abbey Gothic Ball Pre - Dance Workshop
Saturday 21st September - 15:30
This Regency dance workshop is a practice session for those attending the Gothic Ball in the evening, led by Liz Bartlett of the Jane Austen Dancers. Purchase tickets together with your Gothic Northanger Abbey Ball ticket as these workshop tickets are not sold separately.
Venue: Percy Community Centre, New King Street, BA1 2BN
*To book tickets click on the underlined date of the talk to find that specific day's events.
