Opening Dinner

Friday 7pm

Come in your Regency costumes or appropriate formalwear to enjoy an evening of the finest Regency entertainment. Enjoy an elegant sit-down dinner, with a variety of Regency amusements on show.
As always an opportunity for photography studio portraits will also be available.

Grand Ball

Saturday 6:45pm (dinner), Ball 7:30pm

Come in your best finery to the Regency Ball on Saturday night to enjoy dancing under the guidance of our dance callers, or simply enjoy listening to the wonderful music of Short Dented Potts who will play traditional favourites and some surprises. There will be other evening activities available for the non-dancers amongst you.
Supper will be served halfway through the ball, and photography studio portraits will also be available.

Note: Please bring a plate of food to add to the supper table. For ideas on what to bring click here.

Sunday Service

Sunday 10am

St Aidan’s Anglican Church would like to invite any who would care to join the service at 10am on Sunday morning.
The service will reflect on the time when Jane Austen would have attended her father’s church in Steventon, with Hymns and prayers harking back to that time.

Note: All those who attend will be assured of first provision of picnic lunch, prior to the service, and transport to Golden Vale at the service conclusion.

Picnic Lunch

Included in your ticket

Sunday 9:30am

A selection of picnic provisions will be available for you to create your own custom snack box. Enjoy a relaxed outdoor meal on the beautiful grounds of Golden Vale Homestead, surrounded by nature. Take a moment to unwind, soak in the scenery, and enjoy a delicious bite in the fresh air.

Golden Vale Homestead

Included in your ticket

Sunday 11am

We will all be visiting historic Golden Vale Homestead. Bus transfer has been arranged, as private cars are restricted. After morning tea and collecting your picnic lunch, we will depart Exeter Hall at 11am by bus, returning at 3:30pm in time for afternoon tea.

Whilst at Golden Vale, you will be able to tour the grounds at your leisure. Inspection of the house will also be available with National Trust volunteer guides (gold coin donation appreciated).

Note: transport is by bus, private cars restricted. BYO picnic rug or chair.

Maypole

Included in your ticket

Sunday 11am

Watching our ribbons making patterns, as we duck and weave to the caller’s guidance – a tradition that goes back in time, but is just as much fun today. Set on the glorious stretch of lawn behind the Golden Vale Homestead, the Maypole and the dancers make a beautiful picture. Come and join in!

Horse & Carriage

$10 – pay on the day (card or exact change)

Sunday 11am

Southern Highlands Carriage Club will present a display of historic carriages for inspection and photography at Golden Vale. Carriage rides may be purchased on the day.

Note: Carriage rides cannot be pre-booked and works on a first come, first serve basis.

Archery

$15 – pay on the day (card or exact change)

Sunday 11am

Step into the refined world of Regency-era archery, guided by the esteemed David Potter. Amidst our estate grounds, embrace tradition and grace in this genteel pursuit. Your esteemed presence is welcomed as we celebrate camaraderie and skill beneath the azure skies of the Golden Vale Homestead.

Note: Archery cannot be pre-booked and works on a first come, first serve basis.

Dance Through the Ages

Included in your ticket

Friday

Step back in time with our themed dance workshops, each offering a unique glimpse into the social dances of past eras. Ease into the elegance of English Country Dance with Colin Towns, where beginners find their footing and experienced dancers refine their skills. Delve into the lively rhythms of Medieval Dance with Katherine Tammaro, exploring courtly and village traditions. Then, embrace the refined artistry of Baroque Dance with Aimee Brown, focusing on intricate footwork and expressive gestures.

Ball Preparation

Included in your ticket

Saturday

Saturday’s dance workshops will focus on preparing dancers for the Ball by assisting beginners to be in the right place at the right time and will give more experienced dancers the fun of applying their skills to familiar and new dances. These workshops will be led by experienced dance teachers and callers Bill Unger, David Potter & Katherine Tammaro. The dance program is based on English Country Dance with traditional favourites and new variations sympathetic to the era.

Musician Session

Included in your ticket

Sunday 9:30am

An informal practice session with the band. Bring your own musical instrument and join them in providing some of the music at Golden Vale Homestead.

Easing into English Country Dancing

Colin Towns

Friday 11am

This workshop will assist beginners to be in the right place at the right time and will give more experienced dancers the fun of applying their skills to familiar and new dances. The dance program is based on English Country Dance with traditional favourites and new variations sympathetic to the era.

We highly recommend inexperienced dancers attend this Beginners Workshop on Friday and at least one workshop on Saturday before the Ball in preparation.

Medieval Dancing

Katherine Tammaro

Friday 1:30pm

Join the medieval dance workshop and immerse yourself in the music and movements of the period! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, this session offers something for everyone. You’ll learn authentic dances from the era, once danced in courts and villages. Come along as we explore different medieval dance styles from circle dances to the beginnings of the longways set.

Introduction to Baroque Dancing

Aimee Brown

Friday 3:30pm

Experience the stylised splendour of Baroque era France! Aimee Brown will guide you through intricate footwork, expressive arm gestures and social etiquette of the Baroque era. You will walk away having danced a courtly contredanse and the beginnings of a fun theatrical dance.

‘Downfall’ of Scottish

Bill Unger

Saturday 9am

The final dance of the ball ‘Downfall of Paris’ dates to 1816 during which time English Country Dancing closely resembled contemporary Scottish Country Dancing. In this workshop Bill Unger, a Scottish Country Dance teacher with 20 years experience, will take you through the essential Scottish formations & help you develop speed in your movement to enjoy this much loved dance.

Duvall Lancers

David Potter

Saturday 1:30pm

Prepare for the opening dances of tonight’s Ball by delving into the elegant steps and many figures of the Duvall Lancers. Led by experienced instructor David Potter, you’ll master these timeless dances, ensuring you glide across the ballroom floor with confidence and poise at the grand event.

Lively Regency

Katherine Tammaro

Saturday 3:30pm

Step back in time and join our Regency dance workshop, where every step is a journey into elegance and joy! Experience the thrill of lively gallops, the excitement of chasing partners, and the enchanting melodies of wonderful tunes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, our workshop offers a delightful blend of fun dances that will transport you to the enchanting world of Regency-era ballrooms.

Through the Eyes of a Niece: Celebrating Jane Austen’s Legacy on Her 250th Birthday

Caroline Jane Knight

Saturday 11am

Experience Jane Austen’s world through the eyes of her fifth great-niece. Caroline Jane Knight invites you to join her as she shares memories of growing up at Chawton House—the ancestral estate where Jane lived, wrote, and published her most celebrated novels. As the last of Jane’s family to be raised within these historic walls, Caroline offers a rare and personal glimpse into the place and family that shaped Jane’s literary genius and continues to inspire Austen enthusiasts worldwide.
With family traditions passed down through generations and revealing personal anecdotes about growing up in the home that thousands of Austen enthusiasts pilgrimage to each year, discover the Austen Knight family’s fascinating history, see rare photographs and artifacts from Caroline’s personal collection, and gain a truly unique perspective on Jane Austen’s life and legacy that you won’t find in any biography.

Faux-pas in Colonial Drawing Rooms

Scott Carlin

Saturday 9:15am

Our favourite Regency era novels include cut-throat action in the drawing room. In this presentation cultural historian, Scott Carlin, considers the drawing room as a place of display and performance, the science of etiquette and faux pas, with reference to drawing rooms from colonial New South Wales.

Scott Carlin is the outgoing Managing Director of the National Trust Tasmania, and past curator of numerous historic houses and their collections.

Printed Fabric in Regency Clothing

Wendy Wildemoth

Saturday 1:45pm

Are regency fabrics are boring and pale? Come and see how diverse they really were: strawberry, hibiscus & a 70s sofa!

Wendy Wildemoth has been interested in both sewing and historical costuming since her teenage years and obsessed over Janet Arnold’s Patterns of Fashion on it’s first release. Regency clothing remains a special area of interest.

Andrew White: Australia’s First Returned Serviceman

Mike Crowther

Saturday 3:45pm

Discover the story of Lieutenant Andrew White, Australia’s first locally born soldier to serve overseas. Learn about his role in the Battle of Waterloo and his place in Australia’s military history.

Mike Crowther studied Australian Colonial History at Macquarie University and earned a Master’s in Military History from the Australian Defence Force Academy. He has volunteered at the Australian War Memorial and worked at the Australian Defence College.

Tea & Tempers

Included in your ticket

Friday afternoon tea

Whispers abound that Friday’s afternoon tea shall be anything but tranquil. A certain gentleman’s honor has been called into question, and tensions are set to boil over. Could it be a matter of the heart? A long-standing feud? One cannot say, but one would be wise to be in attendance—lest they miss the scandal of the season.

Redcoats & Rifles

Included in your ticket

Saturday afternoon tea

Immerse yourself in the captivating spectacle of musket firing and regimental marching, transporting you back to the era of Lydia Bennet’s fascination with the Meryton Redcoats. Experience the thunderous echoes of history as the prowess and precision of the military unfold before your very eyes, igniting a fervor of excitement and admiration

⚠ Trigger Warning: This display includes musket fire with loud bangs. Those sensitive to sudden and/or loud noises may wish to prepare accordingly.

Learn to Make a Regency Bib Dress

Bookings essential, $30

Thursday 10am

Learn all the ins and outs of making the Laughing Moon #126 Bib Dress in a full day workshop of modules, with teaching points and take home samples. This is a special extra day of learning, and does not form part of the weekend proper. You must wear your expected support garment – good lift bra or stays, so correct measurements and final look will be possible. This will NOT be a ‘make a dress in a day’

Equipment to bring: needles, white cotton thread, sharp pins, measuring tape, fabric scissors, paper scissors and sticky tape (invisible/magic tape works best), own copy of LM #126, with instructions printed (digital copy can be purchased on the Laughing Moon website). Sewing machine if you are able, but not essential.

Note: lunch is not provided during this workshop, please bring your own.

Regency Peg People

Bookings essential, $10

Friday 11am

Make tiny Regency outfits in this fun and frivolous workshop. Show off your hand sewing or superior gluing skills and make your own Jane Austen momento of the weekend. You can also bring your own fabrics or scraps to make a Regency mini me. Everything provided, including magnifiers!

Equipment to bring: basic sewing supplies helpful but not essential

Regency Thread Buttons

Bookings essential, $25

Friday 11am

Regency thread buttons, also known as birdseye or mire buttons, were popular on menswear shirts during the Regency era. These thread-only buttons pre-date ring thread buttons, also known as Dorset buttons. In this workshop, led by Mary Kingsford, you’ll learn the traditional craft of making these intricate buttons using cotton thread, a skill that dates back to the 17th century.

Equipment to bring: Snips or small scissors

Bentwood Tray

Bookings essential, $60

Friday 11am & 1:30pm (over 2 sessions)

Local woodworking artist, Eliza Maunsell (of Eliza wood Co), presents a workshop on the art of bentwood tray-making. Make your own tray, whilst learning the intricate techniques of this exquisite crafting, with Eliza’s specialist guidance, over two sessions.

Equipment to bring: bring an apron to protect your clothing

Quill Cutting & Writing

Bookings essential, $15

Friday 11am

Published author & historian Bronwyn Parry will walk you through how to cut a quill and the art of writing with a quill. Participants will receive a quill to cut, paper to write on, and a handout with notes about cutting and writing. There will be some sealing wax available for you to seal your letters.

Equipment to bring: sharp craft knife and a small cutting mat or board.

Art of Smocking

Bookings essential, $20

Friday 11am

Discover the art of smocking in this hands-on workshop led by Keshini Richards! Explore its rich history in period dress and learn to create textured designs on gathered fabric using traditional stitches. Participants will start a project, choosing between a bag or a Regency bib front dress bodice insert.

Equipment to bring: needles, white cotton thread, sharp pins, thimble, measuring tape, fabric scissors, embroidery scissors

Theatrical Fencing

Bookings essential, $25

Friday 1:30pm, Sat 1:30pm

Step back into the Regency period and learn the basic rapier sword skills used in theatrical fencing and stage combat. This workshop offers a hands-on experience in creating a duel, immersing you in the elegance and precision of Regency-era swordplay.

All weapons will be provided. A relief for those of us without a weapons chest.

Historic Hand Stitching

Bookings essential, $15

Friday 1:30pm

ADVANCED LEVEL

For those who know the basics of sewing but want to learn more about historical hand-sewing techniques, Bronwyn Parry will demonstrate techniques such as the Mantua maker’s seam, the English stitch, and cartridge pleating.

Equipment to bring: please bring a basic sewing kit including scissors, pins and needles.

Openwork Embroidery

Bookings essential, $15

Friday 1:30pm

Openwork embroidery (also known as drawn threadwork) is a simple way to create light and airy – almost lace-like – doilies and fichus, or a great way to add visual interest to an otherwise plain dress. In this workshop led by Adela Greenbaum, you will use just the threads you pull from your fabric piece, or add coloured embroidery floss for a bit of pop, you will start making an embroidered doily or handkerchief, which you can continue to work on through the weekend and at home.

Equipment to bring: Please bring embroidery scissors and tweezers (also may need pointed nail scissors if embroidery scissors aren’t sharply pointed.

Optional: embroidery hoop.

Croquet

Bookings essential, $10

Friday 2pm, 3:30pm

Saturday 2pm, 3:30pm

Members of the Southern Highlands Croquet Club, which is located next to the Village Hall, will show you the finer points of this traditional Regency past time.

Note: Soft flat soled shoes must be worn (ie sneakers style). You will not be permitted on the court in hard shoes. No food or drink on the courts.

Learn to Play Whist

Bookings essential, SRW card deck available for purchase

Friday 3:30pm

Learn to play the Regency card-game du jour with guidance from Bill Unger in preparation for down time and relaxation with other like-minded attendees at the Saturday Ball.

Sydney Regency Weekend card decks will be available for those wishing to purchase a souvenir.

Regency Ladies Hairstyles

Bookings essential, $20

Friday 3:30pm

In this workshop led by Marie-Therese Church, learn a series of techniques to help you create an elegant Regency hairstyle that is entirely your own. Gather ideas and skills to style your hair perfectly for the opening dinner or ball, blending historical accuracy with your personal flair.

Equipment to bring: All materials will be supplied. However, participants are encouraged to bring extra supplies to individualise their hairstyles. e.g. Tiaras, fancy hair combs/clips, ribbons, flowers, light scarves/fabric for turbans, etc.

Cockades

Bookings essential, $10

Saturday 9am

Cockades were used as formal decorations for both sexes and were the 18th Century version of the “pride ribbon”. This is a great opportunity to dress up your Regency turban, promote your politics or your regiment! Marion Parmenter will teach you a couple of methods to assemble a Cockade, and a selection of ribbons and implements will be supplied. If you have a special ribbon of your own you’d like to use, the wider 40-50mm sizes are preferable.

Equipment to bring: basic sewing kit including scissors, thread, needles, pins. To bling up your finished cockade you could also bring fancy buttons, beads, crystals or lace.

Regency Lemon Jellies

Bookings essential, $10

Saturday 9am

In this hands-on workshop, former chef with a passion for historical cooking, Lorelle Smith will lead you through the discussion and recreation of Fruit Jellies enjoyed in Jane Austen’s time, using whole fruits as the flavouring and mold. All equipment & materials provided.

Equipment to bring: an apron to protect your clothing

Fletching: Feather Your Arrows

Bookings essential, $20

Saturday 9am

Join our hands-on fletching workshop to learn the art of crafting arrows, just as it was done in the Regency period. Discover historical techniques and create your own arrows with traditional materials. All tools and materials provided

Equipment to bring: an apron to protect your clothing

Regency Watercolours

Bookings essential, $15

Saturday 9am, 1:30pm

The Regency period saw watercolour move from a utilitarian draftsman’s tool to the establishment of the Society of Painters in Watercolours in 1804.

Jenny Wardrobe invites you to explore watercolour painting using professional grade watercolour paint and paper. The materials sourced from modern art supplies will closely reflect those used in the Regency period. Suitable for beginners. A full kit will be supplied.

Equipment to bring: an apron/overshirt & a small hand towel that may get paint on it.

Basket Making

Bookings essential, $30

Saturday 11am, 1:30pm

Make a small 20cm woven cane basket without a handle, perfect to hold your Regency trinkets. Local woodworking artist, Eliza Maunsell (of Eliza wood Co) will teach you all the necessary skills to make this exciting project. A full kit is supplied.

Equipment to bring: an apron

Ruffled Cap

Bookings essential, $20

Saturday 1:30pm

Ruffled caps were popular among women in the Regency era and the 18th century. These caps were typically made of linen or cotton and featured a round, gathered or pleated design with a frilled or ruffled brim. They were worn by married women, and women “of a certain age”, both indoors and under bonnets when going out. Join Kelly Lock as she leads you through making your own cotton ruffled cap.

Equipment to bring: basic sewing kit including fabric scissors, needles, sharp pins, thimble and cotton thread.

Upcycling a Bonnet

Bookings essential, $25

Saturday 3:30pm

Using a secondhand straw hat, learn how to upcycle and turn it into a bonnet with a soft, fabric crown. Kit includes a secondhand hat, fabric and some ribbon.

Equipment to bring: basic sewing kit including heavy duty scissors, fabric scissors, needles, pins, thimble and cotton thread.