How to Celebrate Jane Austen on Her 250th Birthday: A Year of Regency Elegance
In 2025, Jane Austen fans from across the globe will gather in the English countryside to mark the 250th anniversary of one of the greatest writers in English literature. From her captivating characters to her sharp wit, Austen’s novels continue to inspire generations.
Her birth on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, will be celebrated throughout the year with literary festivals, reenactments, and Regency-inspired balls that invite fans to step back in time and experience the world of Austen.
1. Explore Austen’s Early Life in Steventon
Steventon, where Austen spent her early years, offers a unique opportunity to connect with the writer’s formative experiences. While the Austens’ parsonage is no longer standing, the historic St Nicholas Church, where the family worshipped, still exists.
Events in Steventon include a Jane Austen’s Words and Music Chamber concert on June 8 and a country fair in June at the site of the Austen family’s former home. A special Thanksgiving Service for Austen will take place on her birthday, December 16.
2. Embrace Regency Elegance at Balls in Brighton
For fans wishing to immerse themselves in the elegance of the Regency era, the Brighton Royal Grand Pavilion Ball on January 25 offers a highlight. The Regency-inspired event, organized by tailor Zack Pinsent, will take place at the Royal Pavilion, a former hub for opulent balls during the time Austen was writing. Pinsent’s celebration will be a grand tribute to Austen’s influence on fashion and social life.
3. Relive Austen’s Bath
The city of Bath, where Austen lived from 1801 to 1806, is another central location for 2025 celebrations. Austen set two novels, Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, in the city, and fans can experience Bath’s vibrant social scene, with references to landmarks such as the Assembly Rooms and the Royal Crescent appearing throughout her work.
The Jane Austen Centre Festival in September will feature a grand promenade of Regency costumes, while the Centre will host two summer balls: a Persuasion-themed Nautical Ball on May 31 and a Sanditon-inspired event on June 28.
4. Regency Balls and Festivals Across England
Throughout 2025, fans can find Regency-inspired balls across the UK, from a Regency Week Ball in Alton to a Yuletide Birthday Ball in Bath. These events, with dance workshops and elegant costumes, will offer the ultimate Austen fan experience, allowing participants to twirl in their petticoats and immerse themselves in the world Austen so vividly described.
Whether you’re visiting Austen’s home in Steventon, celebrating with a Regency ball in Brighton, or exploring the streets of Bath, there are countless ways to pay tribute to the beloved author on her 250th birthday. As she famously wrote, “One cannot have too large a party”—so why not join the celebration and make it a year to remember?