The Community of Egham are respectfully informed there will be a Ball at The Literary Institute, Egham on Saturday the 31st of January, 2026About this Event
For one night only you can experience what it was like to attend a society ball in 18th century Egham.
This living history event will follow the long-held tradition of hosting society balls at the Egham Assembly Rooms (now The Literary Institute) from the late 1770s into the mid-19th century.
Highlights of the event will include:
- Performances of 18th century dances by The Bath Minuet Company accompanied by live music and a chance to learn the steps.
- A showcase performance of the 'Egham Assembly Minuet'. This has been authentically re-created using a 1780 musical score held in our museum collection*
- Georgian games (including parlour games, chess, draughts, cards games from the period and Egham Races themed games)
- An exhibition on the Georgian period in Egham
- Light refreshments
- A bar serving alcohol and soft drinks
So, tog up (dress) in your best Georgian attire and join us for a night of amiable jollity (well mannered fun). Join our dance caller to learn your Minuet from your La Boulanger and then retire to our games room to try your hand at Whist or Brag. Be assured no Bonnetters (swindlers) will be present. Indeed, all games will be for amusement and no wagers or high stakes will be set (no gambling alllowed).
This event has been kindly funded by The National Lottery Fund as part of Egham Museum's two year project called 'Our Museum: Reconnecting Community and Collections.
It is being hosting in collaboration with The Gig at the End of the World; Egham Watercolour Society; Royal Holloway Arts and Crafts Society; and the Runnymede Arts Society.
*The Egham Assembly Minuet has been composed with professional musicians using our 1780 musical score and choreographed by The Bath Minuet Company using traditional steps.
Agenda
🕑: 05:45 PM - 06:10 PM
Guest arrival and check in
🕑: 06:10 PM - 06:20 PM
Welcome speech
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:25 PM
Egham Assembly Minuet: Showcase performance
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Learn the steps to the Egham Assembly Minuet/Georgian parlour games
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Performances by The Bath Minuet Company of other Baroque/Regency dances
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Leisure hour - lights refreshments, poetry recitals, visit our exhibition
🕑: 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Georgian games (various game tables to choose between)
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:15 PM
Last orders from the bar
🕑: 09:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Closing speech
🕑: 09:35 PM - 09:35 PM
Ball concludes
Event Venue
The Literary Institute, 51 High Street, Egham, United Kingdom
GBP 10.00 to GBP 50.00
