Festival Entertainment

Saturday 20 September

10.30am - 5.30pm
£20 per person

Curated as part of The Queen's Reading Room Festival and included with all Festival Passes, experience a range of entertainment, such as guided garden tours, author book signings, and an exclusive programme of Queen's Reading Room content broadcast on the outdoor festival screen. 

There will also be live theatrical performances and photo opportunities inspired by one of our most cherished British authors, Jane Austen, to mark her 250th anniversary. 

Festival TV

Watch exclusive pre-recorded content broadcast on the outdoor screen by the Rose Garden.

This includes 'in conversations' with Gill Hornby, Ben Macintyre, David Harewood, Judi Dench, Philippa Gregory, Kamila Shamsie and more, as well as unique insights into the treasures of Windsor Castle Library. 

A full timetable will be published later in the year.

Book Signings

Buy a book from our pop-up festival bookshop in the Orangery gift shop and have it signed by one of the Festival's visiting authors.

Book signings will be available with festival headliners Celia Imrie, Jilly Cooper, Julia Quinn, Helen Fielding, Jojo Moyes, Lady Glenconner, Rupert Everett, Robert Harris, Peter Frankopan, Alan Titchmarsh, Kristin Hannah, Sebastian Faulks, Peter James, Sarah Waters, Hallie Rubenhold, Sarah Winman, Joanna Cannon, Natasha Brown, and Samantha Shannon.

Also offering book signings, are festival special guests Gill Hornby and Tom Parker-Bowles.

Provisional timetable, may be subject to change.

Author books are available from the Orangery gift shop and also the book signing tent. Signings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis only and are likely to be in high demand; therefore, we are unable to guarantee that your book will be signed. 

Tours of the Chatsworth Garden

A festival pass grants access to Chatsworth's 105-acre garden, which has been cultivated over nearly 500 years. Visitors can explore glasshouses, a maze, a Victorian rock garden, production gardens, and historic water features such as the Grade I listed Cascade, Canal Pond, and Emperor Fountain.

There will also be regular guided tours with Chatsworth's expert guides. Places are available on a first come, first served basis. 

Natural Theatre Company: Characters from Austen's World

A comedic promenade performance featuring favourite characters from Jane Austen's world, taking place in the Chatsworth Garden and performed by The Natural Theatre Company.

Pop-Up Pride & Prejudice

Local theatre company, the Chatsworth Players, will be performing scenes from Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' around the garden throughout the day. 

Portraits from the Past

With access to Regency-style costumes and props, create your own portrait from the past at our photo station in the Chatsworth Garden.

Chatsworth Farmyard

Now in its 52nd year, the Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a broad range of farm animals, including rare breeds. From Duchess Deborah's beloved Buff Cochin chickens to Tamworth pigs, Suffolk Punch horses, and an array of mischievous goats and curious guinea pigs, come and meet our animals.

Access to the farmyard is included with your festival pass. 

View our frequently asked questions.

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Please note: Please be aware that for technical, operational or safety reasons, some facilities may be removed or closed, or entertainment and event timetables cancelled and/or altered at any time, including at short notice.  Chatsworth reserves the right to change the programme of attractions and entertainment if, at any time, it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so, this may also include closing attractions or areas of the estate. We apologise in advance for any disappointment caused should this need arise.