While the Rye Arts Festival kicks off its 51st year on Friday, September 9 with three ticketed events, the organisers have also laid on free street entertainment in the Citadel on the opening Saturday, September 10 from 11am to 4pm, which everyone can go along to and enjoy.
Look out for Tree Fellas, who will be walking around Church Square through the day, and maybe down to the High Street.
Back by popular demand after they thrilled people around Rye last year, this is a funny, interactive comedy about a family of trees who are looking for somewhere to put down roots and to settle down. Since the forests and woods have been shrinking, they have decided to move into the human world and Rye has been chosen by the two over-sized trees and sapling. They have stories to tell and will cause chaos – come along and hear their stories and help them out in their enforced move! The more you interact with them the more fun you will have!
A watch out for RUE – the town’s very own band of ukuleles. They will be strumming and singing popular songs in the courtyard outside the Kino Cinema in Lion Street at 11am, with a second gig on the steps outside Adams in the High Street at 2pm.
And look out for Campers who will be performing two half-hour shows at 1:30pm and 4pm. This is an hilarious comic walkabout and show that will have you in stitches! Two workmates set off on their annual charity work do and, this year, they’re “Camping for Conjunctivitis”. They think nothing can go wrong… but of course it does! Follow Judith and Cindy around town to hear about their calamities and how they try and resolve them. Feel free to try and help them. The farcical events unfold through a blend of physical comedy, vegetable puppetry and 90s pop classics.
Meanwhile come and join Billy Bumble for his half-hour Buzz show at 12:30pm and 3pm in the Gungarden. Billy Bumble shrinks down to bee-size and learns about the troubles these insects face. Spell-binding puppetry will also introduce to the dangers of grumpy Mr Fred and the gaping jaws of Shredder the dog!
Puppetry, both large scale and table-top, music and colourful visuals create a world in which families will learn about the vital role bees play in our eco-system whilst having fun. Come and check out the world through the eyes of the bee!
And while you are out and about, why not drop into the information point at the town hall, which is open daily from 10am to 4pm, where you can pick up a festival brochure and buy tickets for the 70 events at this year’s festival?
And there is also a telephone number 01797 462168 that people can ring should they have any queries or want more information that can also be called outside box office hours.
Tickets for all the events are available online at www.ryeartsfestival.org.uk or from the box office and via telephone on 01797 462168.
Image Credits: Rye Arts Festival .
Sadly, due to the national mourning for the Queen these street events have been cancelled.