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A peek inside the 2014 Jane Austen Festival

Photos from the 2014 Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

I wasn’t planning on attending the 2014 Jane Austen Festival this year, but when the weekend rolled around, I couldn’t stay away. In fact, I’m still kicking myself that I missed some big events, like hearing Jo Baker speak about her smash hit Longbourn, or having John Mullan sign my copy of What Matters in Jane Austen, or catching the regency style show.

But I felt itchy Saturday morning—despite our packed schedule—knowing this event was transpiring in my very own zip code, so I headed over to lovely Locust Grove to catch a little bit of the action. I’m so glad I did.

welcome to the Village Green

Visit the Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

Visit the Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

Visit the Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

lovely ladies browing the Shoppes of Meryton. these gowns are gorgeous from afar and to-die-for up close. even Caroline Bingley would approve. 

taking a rest from shopping to gossip a bit

men socializing outside Bingley’s Teas

at the naval encampment

so much goodness on display here

Darcy and Elizabeth Keds, of course

Visit the Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

after hearing John Mullan speak for 2.7 seconds, I bumped What Matters in Jane Austen to the top of my stack. He’s fun, informative, and very funny: I can’t wait to dive into his book.

Visit the Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

more bonnets than your typical Saturday afternoon crowd

Visit the Jane Austen Festival | Modern Mrs Darcy

I laughed out loud when I caught sight of these genteel facilities

I hope you enjoyed the photos! (Head over here for a glimpse of last year’s Jane Austen Festival.

P.S. A gift guide for the Jane Austen fan, and redefining the accomplished woman.

10 comments

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  1. Courtney says:

    This festival looks like so much fun! I’ve been to a couple of Renaissance Fairs and couldn’t have enjoyed myself more – the costumes, the themed games and shops, the shows. It’s the absolute best for grown-ups who still love to play make believe. I’ve been toying with the idea of attending the Jane Austen Society’s Annual General Meeting next year, but I wonder if I might enjoy the less formal setting of the Jane Austen Festival more. They’re both in Louisville, but unfortunately not on the same weekend. If that ends up being the toughest decision I have to make next year, though, I suppose I’m doing all right!

  2. Kristen says:

    oh my gosh I so almost went there! I could have met you! lol. Do you really live near me?! crazy. I feel like I should stalk you now. jk. I was gonna go, now I’m kicking myself. Adding both of those books to the top of my list 🙂

  3. Jeannie says:

    That sounds like such a great event! I’d have loved to hear John Mullan speak; enjoyed his book tremendously … oops, I mean it was excessively diverting to read it!

  4. Erna says:

    Thanks for the fantastic photos of the Jane Austen festival last weekend. I had a wonderful time at the event and highly recommend it to everyone – at least go once and see what you think! Lots of focus on the festival aspect – costumes, skits, daily living, and other fun elements of the Regency period; moreso than the annual Jane Austen Society general meeting which blends other objectives. The two authors (Jo Baker and John Mullan) were excellent – loved their talks, and both the books. Being outside for the two days and under a tent for the talks gave the event a different feel as well!

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