CELEBRATE JANE AUSTEN’S 250th ANNIVERSARY IN BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE
Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary in Basingstoke and Deane
A year-long programme of events to celebrate the life and works of one of literature’s most beloved authors who was born and raised in Basingstoke and Deane is set to be launched this month.
To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Basingstoke and Deane will host a diverse programme of events, exhibitions and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy which are being arranged by a group of organisations in the area where Jane spent her formative years.
Connected by their shared admiration for Jane Austen, organisations across the borough have worked together as the Basingstoke and Deane Jane Austen 250 group. Organisations involved include Love Basingstoke, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Overton Jane Austen Trails, The Willis Museum, Hidden Britain Tours, Destination Basingstoke, Steventon Jane Austen 250. They have created a programme of events and exhibitions to give people the chance to explore Jane’s history in the communities where she spent her first 25 years.
The Overton Jane Austen Trails group has developed three new trails that can be explored on foot or by cycle.
Whitchurch Silk Mill will be celebrating Jane Austen’s love of fashion as part of a special exhibition, starting in March, showcasing the history of silk weaving, a craft that was prevalent during Austen’s time. The Vyne, a historic country house a few miles north of Basingstoke, will host a series of Regency-themed events throughout 2025, including costumed tours and workshops. The village of Steventon, which is where Jane Austen was born, will also host a literary-themed country fair in July.
The year-long celebration will delve into the author’s life and literary legacy, culminating in a special event on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at St Nicholas’ Church in Steventon, marking the exact 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. This event will be a fitting tribute to the author’s enduring legacy and the rich cultural heritage of Basingstoke and Deane.
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “Jane Austen was born in the borough and spent more than half her life here while drafting some of her greatest works and we are proud of her strong connection to Basingstoke and Deane.
“Together with other organisations across the borough, we have been working hard to create a fantastic programme of projects to celebrate Jane’s legacy. We are excited to showcase everything on offer as part of a dedicated Jane Austen 250 page on the Love Basingstoke website.
“From exhibitions to a country fair, self-guided walking tours to regency dancing, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in Jane Austen’s world throughout 2025, as we mark 250 years since her birth.”
Anna Thame on behalf of Overton Jane Austen Trails said: “As a group of volunteers who have created the Overton Jane Austen Trails, we are delighted to be involved in the Basingstoke and Deane Jane Austen 250 group. It’s been great to meet and share ideas to help shape an exciting programme of events and projects.”
For more information and a full calendar of events, please visit: www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/celebrating-250-years-of-jane-austen
