It is a truth universally acknowledged that a week of events celebrating the life and period of Chawton’s most famous daughter is about to begin.

If you’re in want of some culture then the 15th Jane Austen Regency Week may intrigue you, dear reader.

A nine-day programme of events begins this Friday, June 21, with the community centre hosting a regency reticule workshop, posh lunch and feather headpiece workshop.

Fans of Austen and the Regency period can meet event organisers, representatives and the author’s fifth generation great-niece during a welcome reception at the same venue and date from 5.30pm.

The clock will be turned back on Saturday with Alton Regency Day taking over the High Street from 10am with horse and carriage rides, stalls, re-enactors, shantymen and people in period attire.

A guided walk and regency dancing workshop are also on the itinerary with events on Sunday including a ‘Waking up the house’ behind the scenes event at Jane Austen’s House, a parade for literary and a regency picnic at Chawton House.

Events throughout the following week include a bonnet workshop, Regency house tour, curator tour, circular walk and screening of Pride & Prejudice at the Allen Gallery.

It all ends with a toast on Sunday, June 30, with Jane Austen’s House hosting a Regency supper from 7pm.

Programmes are available from the community centre, town council and shops around the town, or for more details visit www.janeaustenregencyweek.co.uk or look for Jane Austen Regency Week on Facebook.