Hampshire has announced details of its year-long series of events to mark the 200-year anniversary of Jane Austen’s death.
The highlights are:
- Rain Jane, Winchester, running until August 2017: A free trail of 12 Jane Austen quotes appearing only in the rain, in 39 locations
- The Jane Austen Story, Winchester Cathedral, a new permanent exhibition: Read about Jane's birth and childhood in Steventon, the family's move to Bath, her return to Hampshire, adult life and her writing in Chawton and the final few weeks of her life and resting place in Winchester
- Jane Austen Big Picnics, Winchester Cathedral & Basing House, May-August 2017: See performances, try Regency food and learn more about Jane Austen
- Mysterious Miss Austen, The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre, 13 May-25 July: This free showpiece exhibition will feature first editions of her work, personal letters and portraits from the National Portrait Gallery, unseen collections and Jane's pelisse coat
- Chawton Open Gardens, Chawton, 10-11 June: Take a walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen as her village and home opens its gardens. The grounds of both Chawton House Library and Jane Austen's House Museum will open, as well as many other gardens around the village
- Jane Austen Regency Week, Alton and Chawton, 17-25 June: A week of Regency walks, talks, music, food and dance
- Sitting with Jane Book Bench Trail, Basingstoke, 17 June-31 August: A free trail of 25 sculptures, all benches and all shaped like an open book. Each is designed and painted by a professional artist in a style inspired by Jane Austen's life and times in Basingstoke, Steventon and the surrounding area
- Jane Austen Commemorative Service, Winchester Cathedral, 18 July: Free, but book in advance
- Jane Austen's House Museum Midsummer Evening Opening, Chawton, 20 June: Evening opening, with viewings of parts of the Museum that are usually closed
Visit janeausten200.co.uk for details and prices.
