The Sun.
London, England, 1831-07-13 00:00:00

VAUXHALL GARDENS.

Last night these gardens were the scene of a grand juvenile
fete, which was honoured with the presence of Prince George
of Cumherland, Prince George of Cambridge, and the Princess
Augusta of Cambridge. The gardens were illuminated with a
splendour probably surpassing all former example, there being
upwards of 40,000 variegated lamps beyond the usual number.
The orchestra was one entire blaze ~f light. The quadrangle,
too, was brilliant beyond example " Welcome our Royal Pa-
trons," shone in refulgence amhtst the surrounding splendour.
The attraction of the Royalyisitors, and the preparations made
for their entertainment, caused an immense number of fond pa-
rents to bring their children of all ages, some even in arms, to
wonder and be delighted at the enchautment of the scene. The
company was unusually numerous, and of high respectability.
About nine o'clock the young Princes and Princesses, accom-
panied by the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Esterhazy, and
a numerous suite, arrived at the gardens, and appeared in the
front of the pavilion opposite the orchestra, which was tastefully
Tilted up and adorned with a profusion ,f flowers and flowering
shrubs. The appearance of the Royal party was hailed with
loud cheers, which the Duchess of Cambridge, and the young
Princes and Princess, acknowledged by repeated bows to the im-
mense assembly, that congregated in the space between the or-
chestra and pavilion, while the whole musical strength of the
establishment gave the National Anthem with great effect. The
Juvenile Band of the Royal Military Asylum paraded the gar-
dens, entertaining the company with military music, before the
arrival of the Royal visitors, after which .they were stationed in
the pavilion, where they played at intervals between the other
entertainments of the evening. On a platform, erected in
front of the pavilion, the American Juggler performed his
feats; Joel, the . wonderful imitator of birds, went through
all his imitations ; a person who appeared with the boa
constrictor and anaconda, both wound round his arms and
body, and changing their position in a manner that might
terrify, did not his perfect composure show that he had
nothing to fear. The young Princes stood in front of the pavi-
lion, and expressed their admiration of all that was provided
for their amusement by repeatedly clapping their hands. Soon
after ten o'clock the whole of the Royal party descended from the
pavilion, preceded by the juvenile band, and walked through the
crowded company to the opposite side of the gardens to witness
the fire-works, where they mixed with as large a portion of the
company as the gallery contains. The tire-works were certainly
of uncommon magnificence, and called forth unbounded admira-
tion. It would be useless to attempt any description so as to form
any adequate idea of their astonishing appearance—they must be
witnessed.
After the termination of the fireworks, the Royal party re-
turned to the pavilion inflie same manner. " God save the King",
was again sung, the company loudly cheered, and the Royal party
repeatedly bowed and retired. The Duchess of Gloucester, we
heard, expressed to the proprietors the very great satisfaction she
felt at the excellence of the entertainments, so highly calculated
to the youthful visitors.
The numerous company continued to a much later hour, and
were entertained with several songs from the orchestra, besides
the more substantial fare of the larder and cellars.