On Tuesday 23rd March 1824 a fabulous Fancy Dress Ball was held in the York Assembly Rooms. It was a grand affair with the papers reporting that “on no former occasion, has a more splendid, brilliant, and amusing assemblage been collected”.

The event lasted 9 hours, over 500 people attended and there was even rioting in the streets as onlookers clambered on top of the arriving carriages to see the occupants arriving in all their finery.

But what was this ball really like? What would it have been like to be there?

After digging through newspaper reports, personal letters and some original documents we can finally put together a more cohesive picture of a Georgian Ball- from the glamorous guests to the tradespeople that made it happen!

• Who was in attendance? What did they wear? And who made the costumes?

• What did they dance? Who danced with whom? And who provided the music?

• How did the evening work? What did they eat and drink? And who organised the whole thing?

Find out the answers to all this and more as Lottie takes you through months of research (and several tangents) to paint a picture of what it was REALLY like to attend a ball in 1824.

You are cordially invited to the Ball of the season!

Join us at the Grand Assembly Rooms as we reimagine the many extravagant affairs that this stunning ballroom has played host to.

Upon arrival you will be welcomed with glass of fizz and enjoy the fabulous music of Eboracum Baroque. A two course meal will be served and our dance mistress will be on hand to teach you a few moves for those ready to dance the night away.

The evening will be a relaxed ball that is suitable for all levels of enthusiasts. There will not be any restrictions on dance levels and timings, we want you to enjoy the music and join in whenever the mood takes you! There'll be a chance to dance the night away to live music under the glittering chandeliers of the assembly rooms. 

Dress code: We welcome you in all of your Georgian finery from the early period to the regency era! However we want you to feel your most fabulous, so all evening attire is welcome. Comfortable shoes for dancing is advised.