Sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea to transform the mood of a community. Arabella Ansar, founder of creative hub, A Rye Good Time, has spotted just such an opportunity thanks to a chance conversation with her friend, Caren Draper, who recalled seeing a short report about Window Wanderland. Arabella tracked down the report on the BBC’s The One Show and an idea began to form.
The result? Well, get ready for A Rye Good Window Wanderland on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November from 6-9 pm.
Arabella explains, “With the dark nights drawing in, I jumped at the idea of organising an illuminated, magical, whole-town walking trail, to be explored and enjoyed by the whole of the Rye community as well as by visitors to our town”.
The beauty of this event is that anybody can take part: the display can be as simple as a string of lights, an open book with a lamp, tissue and card silhouettes or you can totally push the limits and create an installation piece, live performance or living art. Set your imagination alight. Once you’ve decided to take part, then simply register your display and this will create a map for the trail on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November from 6-9 pm.
Arabella’s belief in the project is so strong that she went ahead and applied for a licence even before The One Show end credits had finished. “We excel at this sort of thing and A Rye Good Window Wanderland will offer a Covid-safe spectacle for everyone to enjoy in this unusual year. People are already signing up to take part in this free event and I know ours will be one of the best in the country.”
There will be creative workshops throughout the month of November to inspire participants to develop ideas and artwork. Rye, as always, has found a way to transform a dark time into a brilliant celebration of creativity, beauty and light.
For more information contact Arabella at ryewindowwanderland@gmail.com.
Image Credits: Window Wanderland .
You may also be interested to know that Winchelsea has a wonderful window display in the run-up to Christmas. Homes in the town have, in the past, illustrated carols and songs, but this year there is a free choice of subjects. The church windows will also be lit from inside.
Switch-on is 6 December until 30th. Come and see.