Rye Christmas Festival 2009
The Festival starts on Saturday 05 December, continues throughout December and promises to be a magical event. A procession including pipers, drummers, bands, performing artists and many more will escort Santa and his horse drawn carriage into town, followed by the lighting of the tree and a spectacular fireworks display. Supporting the Oliver Curd Trust and ARRCC (a day centre offering support and activites for people with physical and sensory disabilities).
Free parking all weekend in council run car parks.
Programme of Events:
Saturday 05 December: A Magical Event
St Mary's Church - 10.30am to 4.00pm; the Churches of Rye Charity Christmas Fayre including crafts, gifts and produce, and there will also be refreshments, a children's area and prize draw on the day. Proceeds to local charities.
From 12.30pm: Street performances - a host of street performances at various locations around the town (please note street performances may be cancelled in extreme weather conditions).
Best dressed window competition: this year's theme is PANTO (look out for the special window stickers in shops and businesses around the town to see who has entered the competition this year).
4.15pm: The Bells of St Mary's Church ring in the start of the Festival.
4.30pm: The Magical Festival Procession Leaves Rye Station including drummers, bands, pipers, Pantomime characters and of course Father Christmas.
5pm: The procession arrives at The George Hotel. Father Christmas Meets the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Rye, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
5.30pm: Father Christmas in his Grotto - meet Father Christmas, free entry and present for each accompanied child. Free face painting for children, refreshments available at Rye Castle Museum.
Sunday 06 December
2.30pm: Friends of Rye Wurlitzer Organ Special Christmas Concert with organist David Ivory - resident organist at the Cotton Collection in Suffolk - performing a festive collection of songs and carols on the Rye Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. Rye College, Love Lane.
Tickets £6.25 available on the door includes seasonal interval refreshments (children under 16 free with paying adult).
Telephone: 01424 444058
3pm: Lights of Love Service at St Mary's Church, in aid of St Michael's Hospice.
7pm: Amahl and The Night Visitors by Menotti. Christmas musical production at St Mary's Church performed by Simply Opera.
No entry charge - retiring collection for children's charities.
Tuesday 08 December
7.30pm: Ten Beds that made History. Monica Janssens takes an intriguing look at ten beds that made history - much more here than perhaps you originally thought!
Rye Castle Museum
Admission: members £1.50; guests £2.50; includes light refreshments
Telephone: 01797 226728
e-Mail: info@ryemuseum.co.uk
Thursday 10 December
Best dressed window competition - presentation to the winners
7pm: Tania Williams sings Winter Themed Classical Songs. An evening of icy beauty from opera singer Tania Williams performing classical 'winter themed' songs from Norway, America and Britain
website: www.theschoolcreativecentre.co.uk
Tickets: £10
Telephone: 01797 229797
Friday 11 December
7pm: Dizraeli, Rap poet and winner of Radio Four Poetry Slam.
website: www.theschoolcreativecentre.co.uk
Tickets: £10
Telephone: 01797 229797
Saturday 12 December
7.30pm: The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McVay
Rye College, Love Lane
Booking office and enquiries: 01797 226696
Rye heritage Centre
7pm: The Lucky Ones, retro popsters with a unique style that will have your feet tapping. Tickets £10.
The School Creative Centre, New Road
Telephone: 01797 229797
website: www.theschoolcreativecentre.co.uk
Saturday 19 December
Traditional Carol Singing at the churches of Rye. Ryesingers and Rye College will be singing at different locations around the town throughout the day.
Sunday 20 December
10.30am: Carol Service, Rye Methodist Church
3pm: Christingle Service, Rye Harbour Church
6.30pm: Candlelight Carol Celebration, Rye Baptist Church
Wednesday 23 December
10am to 1pm: Rye Farmers Market. A last chance to buy your Christmas turkey and roasting vegetables! Hot mulled cider, apple juice and mince pies plus carol singing throughout the market at the Strand Quay, Rye.
website: www.ryemarket.org.uk
Saturday 26 December (Boxing Day)
11am: Ancient Winchelsea Street Game. Mayhem and madness - a medieval tradition!? Three teams, one goal, no rules. Get the Frenchman's Head into the goal. All welcome to play at your own risk. Castle Street, Winchelsea.
(images courtesy of Richard Harris)