Janeites unite: Austen festival in Bath celebrates 250th anniversary of author's birth

"One cannot have too large a party, writes Jane Austen in Emma. But could she ever have predicted that more than 200 years later, balls held in her honour would be selling out in 15 minutes? This year, the largest and longest-running Jane Austen festival, held in Bath, brings together more than 3,000 fans, or Janeites as they prefer to be called, to celebrate the life and legacy of the beloved author."

"From balls and cream teas to festival fayres and dance lessons, for 10 days the city transforms into a living homage to Austen's world. But what keeps modern audiences so captivated by this imagined past? A group of re-enactors enjoy afternoon tea at the Bath Bun Elizabeth and Peter, a couple from London united by their shared love of Austen's novels, have come down specifically to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the author's birth."

"For Elizabeth, originally from Zimbabwe, Austen's message of perseverance particularly resonates. I grew up in a colonial era, it was difficult, but for me Austen's novels helped me realise that everyone has a place in the world and that you do matter even if you've been told something different, she says. Recent film adaptations and TV series such as Bridgerton have helped to attract a broader, more diverse crowd."

"A group of bookTokers who met online more than a decade ago say they have seen a big shift in representation since they first came to the festival four years ago. Things are changing for the better as more and more people see themselves represented, says Lex, wearing a dandy outfit that feels more aligned with how they identify today."

Bath hosts the largest and longest-running Jane Austen festival, bringing together more than 3,000 fans for 10 days of balls, cream teas, festival fayres and dance lessons. The city transforms into an immersive homage to Austen's world as events sell out rapidly. Attendees include re-enactors, anniversary visitors, and bookTok communities. For some, Austen's themes of perseverance and belonging resonate across colonial and diverse backgrounds. Recent film and TV adaptations such as Bridgerton have broadened the audience and improved representation. Contemporary writers and creators present reimagined Austen works, reframing prejudice and rewriting characters at the festival's author fayre.

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