'A Regency Affair': Australian Immersion in Jane Austen's World

How Australian Janeites create an authentic Regency experience

Hello my friends,

I am just about recovered from a whirlwind weekend at ‘A Regency Affair’ in Exeter, New South Wales, Australia. It was my first ‘in costume’ event of this anniversary year, celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday year, and what a fine event it was!

When I accepted the invitation to speak at A Regency Affair, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. On my 580km drive from Melbourne, I wondered why this event was held in such a quiet, out-of-the-way location rather than Sydney, where most attendees were travelling from.

But from the moment I arrived, the answer became clear. Exeter, with its village feel, historic hall backing onto open grass, neighbouring croquet club, and 19th-century St. Aidan's Church (built in the style of ancient Celtic churches of Scotland), created the perfect backdrop to transport oneself back to Regency times. Some places have a quality that makes slipping between centuries feel almost effortless and Exeter is one of them.

As I stepped into the Opening Dinner on Friday evening, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the costumes. I hadn't expected such exquisite Regency fashions on the other side of the world, yet here they were, perfectly executed gowns, tailcoats, and accessories that would have looked entirely at home in a Hampshire assembly room during Jane's lifetime.

With numbers limited to 100, many of whom are repeat visitors to this annual event, it feels like a gathering of old friends - small enough to be intimate, big enough to be spectacular. Dinner was followed by music, dance displays, singing, and even poetry recitations, with friends sharing their talents with each other, as Jane would have recognized from her own social gatherings.

The evening ended perfectly with a rousing chorus of Rule Britannia:

What I discovered over the weekend was something subtly but importantly different from many Jane Austen events I've attended. This was a Regency event, not a Jane Austen event, and there is a meaningful distinction. Organized by experienced reenactors who delve deeply into the rituals and customs of the era, A Regency Affair focused on recreating an authentic period experience rather than exclusively on Jane and her works.

I was the only speaker, invited specifically to honour Jane's 250th birthday year, as most attendees were, of course, devoted Austen enthusiasts. But their approach to celebrating Jane was through faithful immersion in her world and what a world they created!

Saturday:

Saturday morning began with a flurry of workshops with everything from watercolour painting and arrow making to needlework and dance lessons. The grounds were a buzz with people in period costume trying their hand at traditional skills, many of which Jane herself would have practiced.

At 11am, I spoke to a packed hall, adapting my presentation style to suit the relaxed atmosphere of what truly felt like a Regency country house party. I shared stories of my childhood at Chawton House, offered family perspectives on Jane, and discussed my work with the Austen community today through the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation and The Austen Pathway.

I was touched by the enthusiastic reaction and the long queue of people waiting for signed copies of Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage afterward. Many were particularly fascinated by the family heirlooms I'd brought along, including a piece of the Wedgwood dinner service chosen when Jane accompanied Edward Austen to the Wedgwood showroom in London in September 1813, and the Knight Family Cookbook from Jane's time in Chawton.

Later in the afternoon, I watched with delight as attendees participated in a fencing lesson on the grass behind the Hall, while others played croquet next door, all in full Regency attire.

Saturday evening brought the event's pinnacle - the Grand Ball. People of all ages gathered in their finest Regency attire, from young girls experiencing their first ball to seasoned dancers who had been attending for years.

The evening began with a ritual I'd never seen before - the Grand March. Everyone lined up two-by-two and walked in formation until, after many twists and turns, we were arranged in long rows filling the entire ballroom. It was a spectacular way to start, involving everyone regardless of dancing ability and creating an immediate sense of unity and shared experience.

We moved directly into the Duvall Lancers with five figures, expertly guided by the caller. Even as someone who has attended many Regency-themed events, I found myself swept up in the joy of these dances, which felt remarkably authentic.