Sunday 21 April 6.30pm, East Dene Coach House, Bonchurch. £30

How would you sum up the essence of Pride and Prejudice in one event? The dancing, the flirtations, the pleasure bestowed by “a pair of fine eyes”? Isle of Arts is delighted to present the Festival Regency Ball.

Jane Austen, one of Britain's best-loved authors, visited the Island in June 1813 – the same year she published the story of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.

We will be celebrating this anniversary with a lavish Regency ball at East Dene, the former home of the poet Swinburne, in Bonchurch, a picturesque hamlet on the south eastern edge of the Island.

We strongly encourage our guests to get into the spirit of the event and come in period costume or evening dress. On arrival you will be welcomed with a glass of punch and announced to the assembled company by the Master of Ceremonies.

Special souvenir dance cards will be issued. During the evening, there will be a chance to perform period dances, led by dance caller Liz Bartlett, to live piano and violin music by the Regency Belles.

Between dances, you may be pleased to indulge in other Regency pastimes – including card games and having a unique silhouette portrait cut by artist Alison Russell. There will also be an opportunity to capture your elegant appearance for posterity by having a souvenir photo taken by Isle of Wight photographer Stewart Gibbs.

The Jane Austen Dancers from Bath will perform some demonstration dances during the evening and will be on hand earlier in the day to run a Regency Dancing workshop (more info on this to follow).

A light finger buffet will be served and refreshments will be available during the evening.

Arrival 6.30 for 7.00 pm

Carriages at 11.00 pm