Jane Austen Festival Australia

Jane Austen Festival Australia is an annual celebration in Canberra where Austen and Napoleonic fans from all over Australia come and indulge themselves in everything Regency - including dancing, music, food, games, archery, fencing, theatre, promenades, grand balls, talks, workshops, costumes and books. This festival is now a regular part of the ACT Heritage Festival and Australian Heritage Week. Since its inception in 2008 this little festival has blossomed into one of the most delightful four days anyone could experience each April in an old and beautiful part of Canberra, the Federal capital of Australia. 

Jane Austen Festival Australia was the idea of Aylwen Gardiner-Garden and first took place in 2008. Aylwen's aim was to hold an annual celebration where Austen and Napoleonic fans from all over Australia could come and indulge themselves in everything Regency - including dancing, music, food, games, costumes and books. This festival is now a regular part of the ACT Heritage Festival. 

Each year the Festival, which is held in April, grows with more people dressing in Regency costume celebrating the life and works of Jane Austen. Events are organised by the Festival team under the guidance of the festival director Aylwen Gardiner-Garden and most meals are provided as part of the festival tickets.

Small soirees, concerts, a costumed promenade, theatre, archery, fashion, food, talks and of course LOTS of dancing feature over three days and four nights, plus there is an opportunity to attend a grand Jane Austen Ball! The latest draft program can be viewed online

Festival attendees are invited to purchase a Season Ticket which will give them entry into all aspects of the festival - from lectures, workshops, dances, evening functions, balls and the popular promenade. Tickets include morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and light evening supper refreshments and coffee. 

Most attend the festival in regency attire, this is optional though, and if your wardrobe is limited we do ask that you make an attempt at regency costume for the evening events and the promenade. The festival does have a small selection of costumes available for hire. Men who can't find an outfit in time are welcome to wear a white shirt, neat trousers and waistcoat during the daytime and a smart suit at night.

For the upcoming event's poster, program and presenters, go to http://janeaustenfestival.com and to join us go to Tickets .

For past festivals posters, programs and photos go to JAFA 2012, JAFA 2011, JAFA 2010 and Early JAFAs 

For posters, programs and photos of all the non-JAFA Earthly Delights events go to our general Past Events page.