This year, 2025, marks a key milestone date in the English cultural calendar as the local community prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen.
One of the most famous and popular novelists of all time, the author’s links to the city of Bath will be celebrated this year through a series of events, festivals and theatrical productions.
Last weekend, the Chairwoman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Karen Walker, officially launched the year of events with Rusette Auton, Director of Bath Theatrical Costume Hire – one of the country’s leading specialists in Regency era dress and costume.
Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown) said:
“Jane Austen was a pioneer in fiction, breaking new ground in subject and style. She saw that everyday events in ordinary places could be the stuff of fiction. She was, and still remains to this day, a literary giant and a beloved author whose works continue to resonate with readers worldwide.
Her life and links to the city of Bath are well documented, thanks to the Jane Austen Centre in Gay Street. When the celebrated author made Bath her home, from 1801 to 1806, the city was a thriving spa resort – like it is today – with strong links to the Regency era and culture.
I was only too pleased to join Rusette Auton from Bath Theatrical last weekend to officially launch this very special 250th anniversary year.”
Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for six novels. Her plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security. Her works include Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816). Since her death in 1817 her novels have rarely been out of print.
The district’s year of celebrations include the internationally renowned Jane Austen Festival which will take place in Bath this year from the 12th to the 21st of September. For many years, Bath Theatrical Costume Hire – who have over 30,000 costumes in stock – have been providing attire for the event.
The organisation’s director, Rusette Auton, said:
“Everyone loves Jane Austen! Her contribution to literature and culture has meant that some 250 years since her birth, she is still attracting new fans.
The city of Bath, known for its Roman roots and Georgian influences, played a pivotal role in her novels during the first part of the 19th century.
The period from 1795 to 1837, which includes the latter part of George III’s reign and the reigns of his sons George IV and William IV, is regarded as the Regency era, characterised by distinctive trends in British architecture, literature, fashions, politics, and culture. During this time Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was published, a novel that still inspires millions of people all around the world.”
To mark the 250th anniversary year, Bath Theatrical is providing costumes for the public to hire. They’ll be available all year around and will add that extra ‘something special’ for anyone attending any of the milestone events throughout 2025.
For more information readers can visit www.baththeatrical.com
For a full list of Jane Austen commemorate events, check out the Jane Austen centre website www.janeausten.co.uk
Contact:
Cllr Karen Walker, Chair of B&NES Council, Karen_Walker@bathnes.gov.uk / 07968 401447
Rusette Auton, Director, Bath Theatrical Costume Hire, enquiries@baththeatrical.com / 07583 839382
