Buxton is preparing to celebrate its rich Georgian heritage with the very first Georgian Buxton Festival, a multi-day event running from 25th to 29th September 2024.
This inaugural festival offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of the Georgian and Regency periods, with a packed schedule of talks, tours, hands-on workshops and immersive experiences.
A Celebration of Buxton’s Georgian Heritage
The Georgian Buxton Festival is a tribute to the town’s fascinating history during the 18th and early 19th centuries. During this period, Buxton flourished as a fashionable spa town, attracting visitors from across the country. The festival will bring this vibrant era back to life with a wide range of activities designed to engage and entertain history enthusiasts, cultural tourists, and families alike.
Festival Highlights
Here’s some of the must-see events:
Talk: Dr. Richard Gaunt – The Golden Age of Caricature
Explore the “golden age of Caricature” in this illustrated talk, and join Dr. Richard Gaunt as he delves into the sharp, provocative, and often scandalous works of Georgian caricaturists and visual satirists. He will shine a light on the key themes and prominent artists of the era, including Hogarth, Gillray, and Cruikshank. This event takes place on 25th September, 7pm – 8pm. Tickets cost £12. Click HERE to book tickets.
Talk: Country House Visiting in the Georgian Age with Dr. Peter Collinge
Dr. Peter Collinge will guide you through the pleasures and pitfalls of visiting grand country houses during the Georgian era. He draws on a wealth of contemporary evidence including letters, journals, and guidebooks to paint a vivid picture of the experiences of Georgian tourists. This event takes place on 26th September, 7pm – 8pm. Tickets cost £12. Click HERE to book tickets.
Georgian Costume Display in the Pump Room
Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a display of authentic Georgian costumes at the Pump Room, curated by Notty Hornblower from the Hope House Costume Museum. This free exhibition offers a unique opportunity to admire the fashion of the period up close. On display every day during the festival in the Pump Room. FREE entry.
Workshop: Embroider Like Jane Austen – with Abigail Rose
Abigail of Abigail Rose Creative will lead a workshop where participants can embroider handkerchiefs or a fichu using historical designs from the Regency era.
This hands-on experience includes all materials, a small talk on ‘Stitching in the time of Jane Austen’ and full instruction by Abigail. This event takes place on 27th September, 10.30am. Tickets cost £60. Click HERE to book tickets.
Workshop: Regency Floral Headdress Workshop with Jane Walton
Design your own stunning and versatile floral headdress with Jane from ‘Hatsperiod’. You’ll learn traditional floristry techniques and millinery tips, giving you the skills to create a beautiful and comfortable headdress – a perfect addition to your historical wardrobe. All materials are provided, with the option to purchase additional supplies on the day if desired. The price includes all materials and instructions. This event takes place on 27th September, 1.30pm. Tickets cost £30. Click HERE to book tickets.
Georgian Games Evening
The Georgians loved their gambling, be it at a notorious gambling hell, at a London Gentleman’s club such as Brooks or Whites, or behind the closed doors of a grand house with ladies present. Led by Dr. Helen Davidge, this event recreates the atmosphere of a Georgian gambling establishment, complete with period-appropriate card games and chocolate coins as currency. Dress in your finest 18th-century attire and prepare to win – or lose – your fortune! This event takes place on 27th September, 7pm. Tickets £9.95 inc. first drink on arrival and games. Click HERE to book tickets.
Walking Tour with Discover Buxton – Anna Seward, Woman of Enlightenment
Join local experts and historians from the Discover Buxton team on a fascinating walking tour. Anna Seward will take you for a health-giving stroll as she shares the lowdown on her life as poet, gossip and unapologetically independent Georgian woman. Please bring suitable clothing and footwear as it is an outdoor walking tour. This event takes place on 28th September, 10.30am. Tickets cost £15. Click HERE to book tickets.
Walking Tour with Discover Buxton – Gentle promenade with Anne Lister
Join a Discover Buxton actor and guide to take a gentle promenade with ‘Anne Lister’ during her 7-week visit to Buxton in 1825 whilst she muses on friendships, the Ladies of Llangollen and those, like herself, who defied social conventions. This event takes place on 29th September, 11am. Tickets cost £15. Click HERE to book tickets.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL EVENTS PROGRAMME FLYER – CLICK HERE
Weekend Events
In addition to the scheduled talks and tours, the festival weekend will feature:
- Living historians and demonstrations (Saturday only).
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Introduction to Georgian and Regency fashion by Gabby Monet. An insight to fashion, accessories, and styling of the Georgian and regency period (Saturday only, 4.30pm) Free event.
- Historical Costume Market: browse and shop at the small historical costume market, offering a selection of period-appropriate attire and accessories (Saturday only).
Book Your Tickets
Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and experience the elegance of the Georgian and Regency eras in Buxton. Tickets for all events are available now at buxtoncrescentexperience.com/whats-on
Make sure to mark your calendars for this unforgettable celebration of Buxton’s history!
Support Buxton’s Heritage
The Georgian Buxton Festival is organised by the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, a registered charity dedicated to maintaining and promoting the town’s historical and architectural significance. Events held by the BCHT help fund and create awareness for the ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that Buxton’s cultural legacy is preserved for future generations. You can support BCHT in a number of ways such as joining as a Friend or volunteering – click here to find out more.
Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust / Buxton Crescent Experience The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH
T: 01298 214577
buxtoncrescentexperience.com/buxton-crescent-experience
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