promenade
verb | prom-e-nade | [prɔ mə ‘nɑd]

Short Definition:
1:  to walk in a public place for pleasure

Full Definition of promenade (Noun)
1:  a place for strolling
2:  a leisurely walk or ride especially in a public place for pleasure or display
3a:  a ceremonious opening of a formal ball consisting of a grand march of all the guests
b:  a figure in a square dance in which couples move counterclockwise in a circle

Retrieved from: Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary

Promenading or strolling is an activity in which we really should take part more often.  Going out into our community’s beautiful public spaces for the sake of taking them in has  value in itself.  Getting together with friends and sharing the activity as a group is even more beneficial.  Dressing up puts it over the top!

Taking a leisurely walk is certainly not a pursuit that is unique to any period in time, but there seems to be something special about the Regency Era Promenade.  Perhaps it’s the parasols, perhaps it’s the aesthetic of regency era clothing…I’m not sure I can say for certain what it is, but every person that participates and sees a regency era promenade can’t help but smile at the beauty of it.

The Jane Austen Festival in Bath, UK organizes such a promenade as a part of the festival, and the whole purpose of the activity is to create garments built for this purpose and to take a stroll as a group, under the auspices of a festival in celebration of Jane Austen.

Photo credit: Andrew Knowles

It’s kind of a big deal.

Please email Lady Jane Productions for more information on future promenades or if you have any questions about the event.

Sincerely,
Lady Jane

Main photo credit:  Nanc Price Photography