THE 2016 renewal of Jane Austen Regency Day was launched in style on Saturday in Alton with the annual market and entertainment lining Alton High Street.

Along with market stalls there were petting animals from Mill Farm Cottage, horse-and-carriage rides from Gosport Carriages, Maypole dancing performed by the pupils from Alton Convent School, and singing from the Roughditch Folk Group.

The event was also visited by a Regency Pedlar, eight members of the Napoleonic Society, and the Regency Strollers from St Lawrence Church.

In the evening the Regency Ball at Alton Assembly Rooms was a sell-out success. The ball was led by the Hampshire Regency Dancers with music provided by the Hampshire Regency Players.

The ball was graced by the Prince Regent himself.

On Sunday, there was a walk round Chawton along with an antique and craft market, and in the evening St Lawrence Church hosted a choral evensong with a Regency theme, and the choir and many of the congregation donned Regency costume to celebrate the occasion.

Chawton House Library, Jane Austen’s House Museum, Gilbert White’s House and the Curtis Museum and Allen Gallery will all host special events during the week.

There will be more walks and talks, a Regency concert tomorrow, a screening of Emma on Saturday, and a Victorian cricket match on The Butts and a Regency supper on Sunday.