Wild Boar Week running from October 23 to November 1 over what, for many families, is half term, involves at least 15 local restaurants and pubs with game of all sorts (such as venison, duck, pigeon, wild boar and pheasant) on their menus, and includes around 40 events including longbowmen, bands, markets, art and a Halloween Ball.
Wild boars exist and their eyes glint in the dark. Whether you will actually see one on the wild boar woodland tour is another matter though as they are, allegedly, secretive and shy. But at least three were photographed earlier this year at Grist Wood on Mackerel Hill in Peasmarsh.
Probably more than 15 pubs and restaurants will be serving game during Wild Boar Week (www.wildboar.org.uk) but only around 15 have so far published menus. These range from Webbe’s with a five course meal including mallard, pigeon, boar, pheasant and venison to Simply Italian’s Ragu al Cinghiale (marinated wild boar with pasta).
The Ypres Castle Inn, who are hosting the Order of Rye Longbowmen on Sunday November 1 at 1:30 pm (weather permitting), are featuring a game terrine, wild boar sausages, a wild boar chop, and venison and wild boar stew on their menu, while hosting a number of bands – starting with Suspect this Friday October 23 from 9:30pm.
For those who want their food as they go Tatners mobile van features wild boar ribs or a wild boar burger and will be popping up at Olde Worlde Wines (Saturday 24, Sunday 25 from mid-day), the Town Hall’s Butter Market (Saturday 31, Sunday 1st 11-5pm) and the Halloween Ball (the evening of Saturday October 31).
The Halloween Ball, in aid of Entertainment Workshops, is at the Milligan Theatre Saturday October 31 with the Rockitmen. Tickets are £10 from Grammar School Records in the High Street.
Among the events local artist, film director, illustrator Dave McKean will be talking about his work at the Rye Creative Centre in New Road on Sunday October 25 at 2pm and also has an exhibition there.
As usual there is a Wild Boar Hunt for the children with drawings by local artist John Izod in around 20 shop windows. More details from the upstairs toy department in Adams in the High Street.
Running at the same time is the Octoberfest 2015 with showgirl and songstress Sarah-Jane Hassell featuring in a jazz night at the Mermaid Inn this Thursday (October 22) followed by Roger Carey (bass) and Andy Williams (guitar) at the Ypres on Sunday October 25 from 7pm and Halloween Live with Leigh Highwood at the Ypres Castle on Saturday 31 from 9:30 pm.
Photos: Wild Boar Week and The Order of Rye Longbowmen