Rye Christmas Festival 2008
The Festival starts on Saturday 6 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 Demelza (Hospice Care for Children).
This beautiful historical town of Rye is the perfect place to stay, dine and find that special gift for Christmas.
Programme of Events:
Friday 5 December
7.30pm - Victorian Festive Evening, Songs and Readings by Rye Shakespeare Company and The Hollington Mummers performing a traditional Mummers play at Rye Castle Museum, East Street.
Tickets £5 to include a free festive drink, enquiries 01797 226728
Saturday 6 December
10.30am to 4.00pm - Charity Christmas Fayre, St Mary's Church
12.30pm onwards - Street Performances at various locations around town. A host of various street performances performing for your pleasure.
Best Dressed Window Competition (judging commences)
4.15pm - The Bells of St Marys ringing in the start of the procession.
4.30pm - Magical Festival Procession leaves Rye Station, including Drummers, Bands, Pipers, Dancers, Pantomime characters and Father Christmas arriving in his horse and carriage.
5.00pm - the procession arrives at The George Hotel, lighting of the tree, followed by a beautiful display of fireworks.
5.30pm - Father Christmas will be in his grotto at Rye Castle Museum, East Street. Free face painting for children.
Sunday 7 December
2.30pm (doors open 1.30pm) - Friends of Rye Wurlitzer Organ Christmas Concert, Rye College
featuring Chris Powell and the 20 strong Regency Singers. Tickets £6.25 includes seasonal interval refreshments. Tickets available on the door. Children under 16 with paying adult free.
3pm - Lights of Love Service at St Mary's Church.
Tuesday 9 December
7.30pm - The Victorians, Rye Castle Museum, East Street, forming part of the Museum's Victorian Christmas. DH Williams looks at the changing Victorian era. £1.50 for Museum members, £2.50 non members. Enquiries 01797 226728.
Saturday 13 December
Free parking all weekend at council car parks.
10.00am to 3.00pm - Rye Christmas Market, rear of Cinque Ports Hotel/Cattle market. Food, crafts and much more, all local produce. Enquiries 01797 280882.
12.15pm to 1.15pm - Shakescene presents Open Air Shakespeare, Rye Town Hall, Butter Market. A short play for total delight and merriment.
7.30pm - Christmas Ghost Walk. A guided tour of historic Rye to see those ghostly happenings! Starts at Rye Heritage Centre and ends at The Standard Inn for a sausage and mash supper.
Bookings and enquiries Rye Heritage Centre, enquiries 01797 226696 (proceeds to ARRCC)
7.30pm - Bromley Youth Chamber Orchestra at St Mary's Church, tickets £10 available from St Mary's Church, enquiries 01797 223188 (proceeds to Chernobyl Children Rye).
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McVay, Rye College (please note this concert is sold out).
Tuesday 16 December
7pm - Rye College Carol Service, St Mary's Church, all welcome.
Wednesday 17 December
Best dressed window competition winners announced.
7pm - Rye College Christmas Concert at Rye College, (parents only evening). Enquiries 01797 222545
Thursday 18 December
7pm - Rye College Christmas Concert at Rye College, (open evening - all welcome). Enquiries 01797 222545
Friday 19 December
7.30pm - The Glory of Christmas, St Mary's Church. The Christmas Story told with traditional Bible readings. Medieval carols with music accompanied by early instruments and re-enacted in costume supported by the Queen's Consort and choirs.
Saturday 20 December
Free parking all weekend at council car parks
10.30am - Traditional Carol Singing takes place around town..
7.30pm - Yuletide in the Ypres Tower, traditional medieval Christmas Celebration, tickets £5 to include refreshments. Enquiries 01797 226728.
Sunday 21 December
10.30am - Carol Service, Rye Methodist Church.
3pm - Christingle Service, Rye Harbour Church.
6.30pm - Candlelight Carol Celebration,Rye Baptist Church.
(imagestrip photos courtesy of Richard Harris)