Derwent Regency Festival 2025

Derwent Regency Festival 2025

Celebrate the Regency era in style and fun with events including a Regency evening at Narryna Heritage Museum dance workshops and a Grand Regency Ball in the fine St James Church Hall in New Town a Garden Party of dancing music history and delicious period food in the fine garden of historic Runnymede and a music and history sail on the majestic tall ship the Lady Nelson. Four days of fun food fine music dancing and general frivolity. This year we also have a bonus night of historically themed contra dancing on the Monday night.

Friday 28th November - Monday 1st December

Hobart Van Diemen’s Land

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/derwentregencyfestival25

Main events: 

Friday: Georgian and Regency Evening at Narryna Heritage Museum: Regency costume showings exhibition and tours of Narryna house (1830s merchant house) refreshments in the garden live music and dancing meet and greet other festival goers.  

Saturday: Grand Regency Ball: Dance or enjoy the spectacle

Divine period music including many Tasmanian pieces by Van Diemen’s Angels (harp piano fiddle and flute)

Dancing Master David Wanless will lead you through an evening of fun and lively dances. No partner or dancing experience required though attending the morning workshop would make it even more fun. Dress in something period or formal if you can. 

St James Hall 462 Elizabeth St New Town (off Rupert Avenue enter behind church)

There are optional dance workshops during the day on the Saturday also at St James.

Sunday: Runnymede Garden Party

A day of Regency activities fine food and tea in the fine garden of historic Runnymede House. Your ticket includes delicious lunch and afternoon tea of period sweet and savoury food and hot and cold drinks as well as Regency country dancing live music Maypole dancing period games to play and a historic tour. Period attire encouraged otherwise something dashing or elegant.

Monday: An afternoon sail on the Derwent river on the magnificent tall ship the Lady Nelson with refreshments live music shanty singing and history. Regency formal or nautical attire admired but not required. You will also have the opportunity to help haul on a line or two if you so wish.

Also on Monday evening: Our regular Monday night folk dance this time historically themed Contra Dances some from the 19th Century. Live music and lots of fun. St James Hall.

All ages and identities welcome. Dressing up in period attire or some approximation thereof is highly admired. Think "dashing" or "elegant". See https://folktas.org/but-darling-i-have-nothing-to-wear/ for easy ideas.

Tickets and info: https://folktas.org/regency or at the door. Online bookings preferred. Events often sell out. Tickets are available for individual sessions - you are most welcome to come to any or all of the events. Early bird and weekend tickets are available.

Details: https://folktas.org/regency (including hints re. costuming venues transport etc.)

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1035822248397193

Entry conditions health and safety inclusion: https://folktas.org/conditions

Facebook/Meetup: Dance Folk Tasmania

Folk Federation of Tasmania Inc

folktas.org/regency

[email protected]     

03 6273 2127

Instagram: folktas

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Host or Publisher Sarah Lewis