The Christmas Festival is almost upon us and everything kicks off around 11am. Cinque Ports Street, in particular should be busy then with the Christmas Market in the car park, Santa’s Grotto and reindeer in the Cinque Ports pub garden along with Punch and Judy in the pub car park and the Carousel in the market car park along with a children’s Tea Cup Ride.
At the same time the busking stage in the Buttermarket starts as does the main stage in the Strand with continuous performances throughout the day. For those arriving with children a bit early, there is story-telling in the library and also, a little later, in the museum.
Meanwhile, scattered round the town centre, Mother Christmas takes up residence in the Old Borough Arms, just opposite the main stage, a puppetry theatre starts its run at the Community Centre and if all the walking is too much, a Christmas road train, circling the town, will be an aid to small tired legs.
A break for lunch, perhaps in one of the many pubs and eateries before returning to the High Street to cheer on the competitors in the Pudding Races or head to the Pantomime Workshop in the Community Centre.
These and other events, all within easy reach of the High Street should keep everyone occupied until the Christmas Procession which starts from Station Approach at around 4:30pm and enters the High Street via the Landgate, before heading down the Mint. The Mayor’s speech, outside the George follows and no Christmas would be complete without carols, which take place in St Mary’s at 6pm.
Details of all the events (and there is so much more than we have mentioned here) can be found in the Festival brochure, which is available from most shops and pubs.
Volunteers
However, none of this could happen without hard work from the organisers and an army of volunteers on the day. And a few volunteers are still needed, so if you would like to be at the centre of things and can give an hour or two of your time please email the organisers and let them know – they would be glad of your help.
Photos: Rye News library
Photos: Rye News library
Image Credits: Rye News library .