IT is a truth universally acknowledged that historical re-enactors in possession of a town hall must be in want of a car park.
That is the view of the Jane Austen Society Europe as they have cancelled their event in Wells as it clashes with one of the biggest nights in the city's calendar.
They were due to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice in full period costume on September 12, the same day as Night on the Town (NOTT).
A grand ball had been scheduled for the evening at Wells Town Hall but it has now been moved to Charlton House, Shepton Mallet.
Organiser Ellen Eley said: "We chose Wells as Jane Austen was fond of the city and the cathedral.
"But there will be no parking available as the whole of the city is shut off on the evening of the ball."
Wells Town Hall was built in the 1770s and would have been an authentic setting for the celebrations. Mark Tobin, general manager of the Swan Hotel, where the society was due to be staying, is also one of the main organisers of NOTT.
He said: "There is nothing to stop the two events working in harmony. It could have been a benefit to both.
"Everyone who goes to Night on the Town will be local and wouldn't fill the car park and the Jane Austen Society would have been staying at the hotel."
Wells town clerk, Felicity White, had been looking forward to the Regency spectacular coming to the city.
She said: "I am extremely disappointed that this prestigious event has been moved away from Wells. They say they have decided to relocate their ball as they were initially unaware that it clashed with Night on the Town."
The celebrations of the famous novel – which opens with the famous line "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" – included a promenade around Wells Cathedral Green and a Regency supper.
Ellen hopes that the promenade in the morning will still go ahead although the supper will now be held at Charlton House along with a quiz and after-dinner games.