While we sit shivering in the midst of winter here at the fabulous high-tech AustenBlog World Headquarters, we are trying very hard to not envy you Janeites down under who are enjoying your summertime. You might want to take off your sunglasses for a minute and check out the website for the Jane Austen Festival to be held in Canberra on April 16-19, because “earlybird” season tickets, which offer a substantial savings over tickets purchased later, are only available until January 25. Make haste!

Activities include a lecture from Susannah Fullerton, Austen scholar and president of JASA; a musical presentation of “Jane Austen’s Music” by Gillian Dooley; a Regency debate; a Grand Regency Dinner and ball; workshops, dance lessons, and other activities. It looks like a jam-packed weekend with something for everyone.