Regency Ball – Pictures

The 2018 Warwick Christmas Regency Ball – the fifth since the Jury Street Court House was reopened after a major refurbishment – was clearly enjoyed by all who came, some from as far away as London and Plymouth, staying in Warwick for the weekend. 

The guests were full of praise for the authentic Regency style – the decorations based on boughs of British greenery, the negus punch on arrival, the delicious food, the live period music and the ballroom itself.

“We love to come here it is so welcoming”  “Always guaranteed a great night here”  “This is my first time here. The ballroom is beautiful” “It has been a wonderful evening, the music, the caller, and the friendly atmosphere make this a very special event”   “No stinting on the professional but friendly service”  “This Ball is so well run, it is a joy to come!”  “We were embraced by the friendly dancers and servers, and have learned how to dance!”

Here are some pictures of the guests being welcomed as they arrived and being served with their complimentary drinks from the bar. Great costumes! (Click on a picture to see it full size.) 

The Regency costumes were particularly impressive this year, with guests arriving on a very cold evening wearing capes, period topcoats and splendid hats. Music was provided by the local specialist musicians Mr. Sayer’s Players, with Brian Stanton, an experienced caller, guiding people through the steps of each dance and the terminology. 

Quite a few of the guests were experienced Regency dancers, while a number of couples had never tried this kind of dancing before.

Here is a two-minute video of some of the dancing posted on You Tube.

All particularly appreciated the presentation at the interval, after they had been served with a variety of canapés. It has become traditional for the The Warwick Ball to include a short dramatisation about the rules, etiquette or significance on the ball in the time of Jane Austen. This year there was an extract from ‘Northanger Abbey’ about the relationship between dancing and marriage, re-enacted beautifully by Edward from Warwick School and and Elizabeth from King’s High. 

It was a lovely evening. A Merry Christmas to one and all from the Unlocking Warwick volunteers. 

You can hire the ballroom for private functions. Contact Fiona Molloy at the Court House for details: events@warwicktowncouncil.org.uk