Arabella Ansar is a whirlwind of bright, exciting ideas and a bundle of energy. She is tireless in her wish to put Rye on the map and is constantly coming up with events that bring the people and businesses of Rye together.
She told me about the Rye Good Window Wanderland: “To conjure light from winter’s darkness, this is going to be an illuminated, magical, whole-town walking trail, to be explored and enjoyed by the whole of the community and the visitors to Rye. Together, we’ll illuminate Rye to herald the arrival of Spring on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March between the hours of 6pm – 9pm.
“This uplifting, creative, family-friendly, positive mental health and well-being initiative encourages residents, businesses and groups throughout Rye to create a display for their window, door or garden forming an illuminated walking trail. These individual windows across the town will transform Rye’s streets into dazzling galleries and the beauty of the town’s unique community spirit will be showcased and ablaze for all to see.”
Live performances and music will also bring brightness to the streets over the weekend and many shops will stay open late until 8pm on Saturday 25 March, so a wonderful opportunity to pick up some delightful independent purchases.
This year, A Rye Good Window Wanderland is fundraising for three local mental health and well-being charities:
The Music Well https://themusicwell.org.uk/
Heart Smart Arts https://www.heartsmartarts.com/
Hands of Hope https://www.hohcharity.co.uk/
I asked Arabella how everyone can get involved
“Let’s set Rye alight together. Anyone can take part, regardless of age and almost anything can count as a display: from a string of fairy lights to a live band playing in your front room. As long as it is family friendly, anything goes! No fancy lights needed, just a normal room light or lamp will bring your display to life. Just be sure to register your display, so that your location can be listed on the trail and your creation is admired by passers by.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors whose kind contribution will bring more sparkle to the town:
Rother District Council, A Rye Good Time, Fletchers House Restaurant, The Mermaid Inn, Jempson’s, The Paper Place, Phillips & Stubbs, Rye Waterworks, Design Sussex, The Globe Inn Marsh, Dynamic Conferences & Events, Rye Arts Festival
Here’s to illuminating Rye, East Sussex together.”
For more information: https://www.windowwanderland.com/event/rye-east-sussex-2023/
Email: windowwanderland@aryegoodtime.com
Image Credits: A Rye Good Time , Oliver Brooks , A Rye Good Time .