With only three and a bit weeks to go to Rye’s Christmas event, “Tales of Old”, on Saturday December 10 all day, the work of the volunteer organising committee (pictured above) , “the few”, moves to a climax , and the help of the many in and around Rye is needed – in many, many different ways – so there may be something everyone can do, even if it is only helping on the day, or by just turning up.
For the latest information visit www.christmasinrye.co.uk to find out what individuals and organisations/ businesses can do – as it is an opportunity to publicise your organisation, maybe raise some funds, or simply show off.
The High Street will be closed to traffic and some other roads will shut as the procession moves around town from the station at 4pm for one and a half circuits of the town centre, ending up at The George.
For information about having stalls in the all day Christmas Market please contact catherine@christmasinrye.co.uk – but there is definitely no more space for food vendors, though this suggests no-one will go hungry on the day.
The procession will include Father Christmas , reindeer, a bagpiper and Scorch the Dragon – but there is still space for more floats from groups, clubs, schools and societies. For more information contact jeremy@christmasinrye.co.uk.
The Father Christmas Grotto at East Street Museum is already fully booked up except for a latecomers session between 4:15 and 5:15pm which can not be booked in advance. However Mother Christmas has popped up again at the Old Borough Arms (where The Mint and Mermaid Street meet) from 3-6pm with no booking required – and a prosecco bar close by on site.
Local artist Richard Adams has a workshop again at Rye Art Gallery but, like last year, this may already have sold out. But the giant snow globe in the Cinque Ports Street car park is one of the alternative attractions . . . if you can fit inside.
This year’s Christmas theme is “Tales of Old” (Think Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson for starters) and these are expected to be reflected in shop windows, the procession and fancy dress on the day as last year.
This year the main stage will be in the cattle market car park behind the bus stops and between Rope Walk and Station Approach, but expect a lot of activity in the Strand Quay area as well as in the High Street. Other events will also be staged in the Buttermarket under the Town Hall and on Rye Lodge’s terrace.
There are also a number of competitions for children, adults, families and homes/businesses with a variety of closing dates including photography this Friday (November 18), Christmas trees (December 2), and writing/art and window dressing (November 30).
There are also various races including a Santa relay and full information is available on www.christmasinrye.co.uk , but you can expect to find as well storytelling, pantomime, a carol concert, street performances, children’s rides, crafts and activities, and evening entertainment (such as booze and bands).
Photo: Ray Prewer