Name: To Be Fond Of Dancing - A Regency Ball
Start: 2026-09-15T19:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-15T23:00:00+01:00
Location: Saint Swithin's Church

Celebrate Jane Austen Adaptations with an Enchanting Evening of Dance, Music, and Regency Elegance!
Join Laughing With Lizzie for an unforgettable evening that brings Jane Austen’s world of romance, wit, and timeless charm to life. Step into the Regency era with graceful dances from beloved Austen adaptations, live music, captivating entertainment, and a sumptuous supper - all set within a historic venue steeped in Austen family history.
Doors will open at 6:30pm, giving you time to arrive, settle in, and enjoy a sparkling welcome drink before the dancing begins. The ball itself will start promptly at 7:00pm, so we encourage you to arrive in good time to make the most of the evening.
✨ Event Highlights
Regency Dances with Libby Curzon
Be swept away into the elegance of Austen’s world as Libby Curzon of Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom leads you through the dances featured in film and television adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and more. Whether you are an experienced dancer or a complete beginner, Libby’s guidance will ensure everyone feels confident as we dance the night away in true Austen style.
A Venue with Austen Connections
The historic St. Swithin's Church provides a remarkable setting for our celebration. Mentioned in Northanger Abbey (as Walcot Church), it was here that Jane Austen’s parents, Cassandra and George, were married in 1764. George Austen was later laid to rest at St. Swithin’s in 1805, making this an especially poignant location for our evening of Regency revelry.
Live Music by Caperbility
Delight in the lively, romantic sounds of the Regency period, as Caperbility fill the church with exquisite live music throughout the evening - the perfect accompaniment for dancing.
A Regency Twist on Juggling with Hannah Carter
Enjoy a unique performance inspired by the classic gentleman juggler tradition, with a Regency flair. Instead of top hats and canes, Hannah Carter uses elegant fans and parasols to create a mesmerising and graceful act.
Supper and Refreshments
Begin the evening with a sparkling welcome drink, then enjoy refreshments throughout the night to keep you energised for the dancing. Take a break to savour a delicious two-course buffet, complemented by a glass of wine and followed by tea or coffee - leaving you refreshed and ready to return to the floor.
A Fully Stocked Bar
For those wishing for additional beverages, a bar will be open throughout the evening to ensure your glass is never empty.
✨ A Celebration of Austen Elegance
Immerse yourself in the beauty and refinement of the Regency period. Guests are warmly encouraged to don their finest Regency attire and join fellow Janeites in a sparkling evening of dance, music, and festivity during the annual Jane Austen Festival.