Jane Austen is one of the world’s most famous authors and 2025 sees the 250th anniversary of her birth. In readiness for this internationally celebrated anniversary, the Overton Jane Austen Trails project has produced walking and cycle trails through the footpaths and roads of Overton, Steventon and the surrounding countryside, following in the footsteps of Jane Austen, her friends and family.
You are being invited to join the project for a special weekend of free events to launch the Overton Jane Austen Trails. This event is an opportunity to celebrate our village’s heritage and our connection to Jane Austen, ahead of the 250th anniversary of her birth in 2025.
The event begins at St. Mary’s Hall on Friday 6th September, where Revd Canon Michael Kenning, former Rector at Steventon and Vice-Chairman of the Jane Austen Society will talk about his connection with Steventon, Jane Austen and her music.
This will then be followed by a showing of the 2005 film “Pride and Prejudice”. A bar and refreshments will be available throughout the evening, and entry to both events is free, but you must book online.
On Saturday 7th September in the Community Centre forecourt, there will be a short opening ceremony by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Cllr Dan Putty and the unveiling of the Overton Jane Austen Trails Information Board. This will then be followed by a 2 and a half mile trail around the village.
Then in St. Mary’s Hall, there will be a series of talks and performances, including the Overton Dramatic Society who will be bringing to life Jane Austen’s letters and scenes from her novels. There will also be a range of exhibitions and displays from local clubs and societies in St Mary’s Hall
Then, there will be a Regency themed quiz night taking place at the Red Lion at 8pm.
On Sunday 8th September, there will be a Brief Trail talk followed by a 9-mile guided trail to Jane’s Austen’s birthplace in Steventon. Then at 4pm, there’s a chance to take a guided tour of St. Mary’s Church
A full list of events can be found on the Jane Austen Trails website.
