The Prince of Wales later became George IV and was known for his extravagant entertainment. In 1788 he was about to face his first significant political challenge with his father's first bout of mental instability precipitating what became known as the Regency Crisis.
Willis's Rooms had previously been known as Almack's and continued to be referred to by both names until well into the nineteenth century. Willis's was primarily a gambling club to which women were admitted as well as men. Male members proposed and elected the female members, and women proposed and elected the male members. It was also famous for its balls attended by the cream of Regency society.
Festino is Italian for a feast or party, and it is not clear whether Fetum is referring to particular entertainments at Willis's Rooms or the reference is to The Hanover Square Rooms run by Giovanni Andrea Battista Gallini, an Italian dancer, choreographer and impresario, which was colloquially known as Festino.
John Fentum was probably the son of Jonathan Fentum, who had set up as an instrument maker and seller on premises located at 78 The Strand in 1762. John took over the premises and the business around 1784. In addition to instruments, John sold music and tickets for musical entertainment and was an accomplished violinist and violist. In the 1787-1788 season, he received £4 4s for playing violin in concerts of the Academy of Ancient Music. The Strand shop flourished, and in 1810, he opened a second shop at No 2 St George's Place. It is also probable that he played in the band at Willis's Rooms. Fentum continued at 78 The Strand until 1835 when he was succeeded by his relative Mary Ann Fentum.
F Werner was Francis Werner, formally harpist, dancing master and Master of the Ceremonies at Willis's and the Hanover Rooms, who had published collections of fashionable dance music and figures for some years.
