For Jane Austen fans and those less familiar with her work, 2025 marks the author’s 250^th anniversary and offers a unique opportunity to explore the landscapes and communities that shaped her early life.

Jane is regarded as one of the greatest British authors and she was born in the rural north Hampshire village of Steventon in 1775. Her childhood and formative years were shaped in Basingstoke and Deane, where she remained surrounded by countryside and picturesque scenery for the first 25 years of her life.

A series of special events have been carefully crafted by the Basingstoke and Deane Jane Austen 250 group, made up of organisations and attractions from across the borough including Love Basingstoke, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Overton Jane Austen Trails, Willis Museum, Hidden Britain Tours, Destination Basingstoke and Steventon Jane Austen 250. They have come together to provide a rich calendar of events for Austen enthusiasts and newcomers.

As part of the wider celebrations of the anniversary, the Basingstoke and Deane Jane Austen 250 programme launches today and continues throughout 2025, culminating in a special thanksgiving service at St Nicholas’ Church in Steventon, on Tuesday 16 December 2025, marking 250 years since her birth.

The Love Basingstoke Jane Austen 250 website has now launched, giving everyone a preview of what’s to come over the next year.

"Jane Austen was born in the borough and spent more than half her life here while drafting some of her greatest works and we are proud of her strong connection to Basingstoke and Deane,” said Cllr Kerry Morrow, the Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

“Together with other organisations across the borough, we have been working hard to organise a fantastic programme of projects to celebrate Jane’s legacy. This anniversary is a great opportunity to take some time to explore the areas and landscapes that influenced Jane. The programme for 2025 is still unfolding, so bookmark the Love Basingstoke Jane Austen 250 website.”

The highlights include Regency Delights at The Vyne where you can experience authentic Easter celebrations and learn the art of Regency dancing through workshops. The Vyne is a former Tudor powerhouse turned 17^th century family home, set in gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Historic gems include a pre-Reformation chapel, Tudor oak gallery with 16^th century wood carvings and neo-classical staircase hall.

Starting at the end of March, The Vyne will immerse visitors in Regency life through Austen-inspired events including an Easter trail, a country walking route, a children’s literary trail and, on select dates, Regency dancing, outdoor theatre, cinema and a special performance by Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra.

"We're excited to be part of the celebrations as we shed light on Austen’s links with The Vyne,” said Roxanne Cooper, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for The Vyne.

"We're excited to be part of the celebrations as we shed light on Austen’s links with The Vyne,” said Roxanne Cooper, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for The Vyne.

Hosted at Whitchurch Silk Mill, the Riches to Ribbons exhibition explores the history of silk ribbon weaving. The exhibition features pieces woven in collaboration with Jane Austen's House, which can be found in nearby Chawton.

St Nicholas’ Church, in Jane’s birthplace of Steventon, will be the venue for an intimate evening of music and readings in June, complete with wine and canapés. Jane Austen’s words will be woven with music as part of an atmospheric chamber concert.

“Everyone is invited to join us in commemorating this special anniversary to immerse themselves in the world of Jane Austen,” said Marilyn Wright of Jane Austen 250 Steventon. “The village residents are excited to host a variety of events throughout the year, including a concert in our historic church, an enlightening exhibition with Basingstoke Heritage Society showcasing Jane's local connections and an Austen-themed country fair.”

For a complete list of events and further information, please visit: www.LoveBasingstoke.co.uk/celebrating-250-years-of-jane-austen