The Virginia Gazette

On Tuesday last was held the festival in Soho square, in honour of his Majesty's birthday. The company was perhaps as noble, in point of dignity, as ever graced that elegant house, but was very far from being numerous, by no means so much as could possibly pay for the uncommon expense attending the entertainment, which was magnificent beyond all description, and truly worthy the occasion for which it was instituted. The concert was such as must be expected where that great master Giardini has the management and direction. The splendour of the illuminations, and the sumptuousness of the dessert, cannot be described, nor can scarcely be conceived. Taste and magnificence went hand in hand in every thing. The service of plate consisted, we hear, of more than twelve thousand ounces. The company seemed to lament nothing but the want of an addition to their number, and that want was chiefly owing to a mistaken notion that the place would be crowded, the fear of which kept a great many of the Gentry away.