Two thousand promenaders!

[library picture]

Last time l checked the weather forecast for Bath for tomorrow, the Met Office was talking about ‘light rain showers and a moderate breeze.’

However, this will not put a damper on the biggest Regency-costumed Promenade the Jane Austen Festival have ever organised, with two thousand promenaders expected to set off this year from the Royal Crescent and make their way through town to the Parade Gardens.

The Festival office told me:

“This will be our biggest ever Promenade, celebrating 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth, featuring two groups of reenactment Regency soldiers and musicians. 

We will be gathering at the Royal Crescent from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, 13th September.

The Promenade moves from the Royal Crescent at 11 a.m. sharp, ending at Parade Gardens after approximately an hour of gentle strolling through Regency Bath, the same streets walked by Jane Austen herself. 

This event will go ahead even if it is raining, so get ready to see some beautiful Regency umbrellas and coats!”

Here’s a map of the route they will take.

Meanwhile, another press ‘release’ – pun intended.

Bath BID is delighted to announce the installation of temporary public toilets on Terrace Walk to support the thousands of visitors expected from 12^th – 14th September.

Terrace Walk—affectionately known by locals as “Bog Island”—was once home to a public toilet block and later an underground nightclub. This year, it returns to its roots, offering much-needed relief to Regency-attired festivalgoers promenading through the city.

“We’re thrilled to support the Jane Austen Festival with facilities that are both functional and thoughtfully placed,” said Allison Herbert, Chief Executive of Bath BID. “It has been really helpful to work with the Council on providing these facilities, thanks to all involved for their responsiveness and support.”

The Jane Austen Festival is one of Bath’s most beloved cultural events, drawing international fans of the author and her era. With thousands of costumed participants and a packed programme of talks, performances, and promenades, the city transforms into a living Regency tableau.

The temporary toilets will be open daily from Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday throughout the festival and will be fully accessible, maintained by Bath BID Rangers. There is a charge of £1 to use the toilets, to cover the cost of installation and cleanliness.  “