For the second and last time, the Centennial Belles are attempting to get Port Alberni into the World Record book for the most people dressed in Regency costume at one gathering.
This is a milestone year, as it marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death.
The second annual Jane Austen Festival will take place from July 14-16 in Port Alberni, and will feature an English Country Dance, afternoon teas, a parade, a family ball, a family picnic and presentations of authors and readings of Austen’s works.
It will also feature one last attempt at breaking the world record, on Saturday, July 15.
“We want to get Port Alberni into the World Record book,” said Centennial Belle Tricia Knight. “This is something that no one expects of Port Alberni.”
Last year, the festival had 265 registrants. The world record is 409. Knight confirmed that this is the last year the society will be attempting the world record.
“I’m hoping to go [overseas] in September and laud it all over the people in Bath, England,” Knight laughed.
This year is especially notable, because 2017 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. A number of places in the United Kingdom will be holding “Jane Austen 200” events, including exhibitions, talks, walks, writing competitions and performances.
“In England they’re going all out,” said Knight. “I don’t know if we’re the only ones going for the world record. If we beat it by a longshot, on the 200th anniversary, that would be even more of a bonus.”
Knight said you don’t have to know very much about Jane Austen to be involved in the festival. The Centennial Belles have a number of books for people to borrow if they want to get in the mood.
“Last year so many people told me, ‘I didn’t even know who Jane Austen was,’” she laughed. “They did it because they thought it would be a really good thing for Port Alberni.”
She said Port Alberni is very well known as a fishing and sports centre, but this could give the town far more attention as a cultural centre.
“The fact that we’re even doing it in Port Alberni is amazing,” she went on. “It is quite a unique place. It is a big boost to the economy.”
Starboard Grill has been putting on Jane Austen teas, the Capitol Theatre has been hosting events and local hotels will be putting up guests from as far as Ontario and Newfoundland who have already registered for the event online.
“We’re trying to speed up the process by having people pre-register,” said Knight. Last year they managed to get close to 300 people registered in an hour and a half, but they want to have it done ahead of time this year. You can register at the Rollin Art Centre or online at centennialbelles.ca/festival-registration. The registration fee is $5 per person or $10 for a family.
When it comes to dressing up, the rules are fairly strict.
“This is not an attendance festival,” Knight warned. “We don’t want people showing up to watch. We need participants. People need to put a fair amount of energy into this.”
The Guinness Book of World Records has a list of guidelines that participants must follow in order to be counted towards the record.
Ladies must be dressed in full-length, low-cut dresses with high waistlines. The dress must have sleeves. All ladies should be wearing bonnets or other Regency style head wear. Ladies should also be accessorized to the period with items such as gloves, reticule (small purse), parasol, etc.
Gentlemen should wear a tailcoat with britches and knee high boots. They must wear a top hat, a white shirt with a high collar and neck cloth and a vest (waistcoat).
Children should be dressed in a “scaled down version of the adults,” according to Guinness.
“If you show up and haven’t followed the guidelines, you won’t be counted,” warned Knight.
The Centennial Belles will be holding one more workshop to help out with costuming, on Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop takes place at the Alberni Youth Centre, and admission is by donation.
“We try to make it as easy as we can,” said Knight.
Knight said they are willing to provide help for sewing from scratch, as well as compiling a costume from a thrift store or the back of your closet. The workshops provide advice on patterns and types of fabric, as well as help with bonnets and resources for parasols and gloves. There are costumes for rent and purchase available at the Youth Centre, too.
“I think once people get into the costumes, their whole demeanour changes,” said Knight.
For more information about Regency dress, the Jane Austen Festival or the Centennial Belles, check out their website at centennialbelles.ca.
elena.rardon@albernivalleynews.com
