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Jane Austen fans gather to celebrate anniversary

Sophie Parker,Wiltshire and
Kirsten Robertson,Wiltshire
Parade House A man in a purple suit with a wicker top hat and he holds a fan. Next to him is a lady in yellow dress with her hair in ringlets, red lipstick and a similar wicker hatParade House
Some eye-catching fashion choices were on show at the event at Parade House

Jane Austen fans have gathered in Regency outfits for a series of events inspired by the famous author.

Parade House in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, hosted Ladies and Gentlemen on Parade events this week to mark 250 years since Austen's birth.

They are the only Jane Austen Festival events to be held outside of Bath, with Trowbridge included as the author was known to have stopped there for tea on her way to Bath from Hampshire.

Attendees - dressed in everything from dazzling dresses to rustling pantaloons - arrived in Trowbridge by train and strolled through town to offer local people a glimpse of their finery.

Parade House A large group of Regency costumed people stood in front of Parade House in Trowbridge which is an old stately home with large windows and a black front door. A dog is among the large group, whose outfits include top hats, long dresses and wigs.Parade House
About 150 Regency-costumed guests travelled from Bath to Trowbridge
Parade House A woman in a Regency inspired dress holding a fan and wearing a white wig. Behind her stands two men in red capes with white ruffles on the front of their outfits.Parade House
People have travelled from across the world to mark the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth

Carey Tesler, owner and director of Parade House, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "This is the only building outside of Bath to be part of the famous Jane Austen Festival which is celebrating 250 years of Britain's most famous female author.

"People have come from all over the world - France, America, Australia, the Far East - and dressed up in Regency costumes for a whole week of celebrations.

"They have come to Trowbridge on the train from Bath, escorted by Mr Darcy of course, and parade up to Parade House. It is magnificent to watch."

Parade House A group of women in Regency inspired dresses gathered around a round table with a white tablecloth, old china and small sandwiches and cups of tea.Parade House
Guests at Parade House were treated to a cream tea
Parade House Two women wear floral dresses with cardigans over the top. Both are smiling and one wears a bonnet.Parade House
People in Trowbridge have been able to catch a glimpse of some fantastic outfits

Those attending Ladies and Gentlemen on Parade were greeted by Trowbridge's mayor and town crier when they arrived at Parade House, which was built in 1720 for a wealthy clothier.

The Grade I-listed Georgian building was the head office of Usher's Brewery for 200 years before being acquired three years ago and restored as an events venue.

People can watch the next parade of costumed fans making their way through town at 14:00 on Friday.

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