Last weekend I managed to go to three Christmas Fairs and what fun I had! There were stalls of every type and description, from ceramics, knitters, needleworkers, cabinet makers making exquisite little boxes etc., painters, printers, felt workers, jewellers, stained glass experts, jam/chutney makers, hatters, stool makers, card makers, candle makers and decorations makers. And more! Far too many to talk to individually so I’ll let the following photos do the talking.
There was a lovely one at St Mary’s Centre by the Kino, a very interesting one at the Rye Hub and a very good one at Rye Creative Centre…and the sun shone on everybody all day. All I can say is that they were all imaginatively laid out, and that the quality of the work was extraordinarily high.
The photos are a snapshot of some of the stunning stalls, and the only down side of the whole day was looking at the stalls and admiring the workmanship of everyone but going away without buying anything. You feel such a worm, but certainly couldn’t buy from every stall. Your house would be full and your bank account empty!
Sadly this year all three fairs rather clashed, and also clashed with the very large Great Dixter Christmas Fair. However, next year a new manager, Ms. Samara Streeten, is going to change the weekend of the creative centre’s fair to the first weekend in December, which might just work well.
Try looking up another market happening around Rye over the next three weeks. Chatting with friends, as you sip hot cider or chocolate, and tasting seasonal snacks, is a lovely way to spend the day.
Happy Christmas everyone…
Image Credits: Col Everett .