Rye settles on its festive theme

Now in its third year, the Rye Christmas Festival is still going strong and the organising committee has been busy putting things in place to ensure yet another successful event.

To keep things different each year, the committee chooses a theme to inspire the day’s proceedings.

This year’s theme is ‘Toyland’, which was chosen following a competition on the festival’s Facebook page.

Jen Sinclair, marketing officer for the Rye Christmas Festival, said: “Think old, vintage toys, classic and in keeping with the identity of Rye.

“Spinning tops, marionettes, music boxes, toy trains, jack in the boxes and dolls…you never know, some of these well known, classic toys may even come alive this year!”

She added: “The committee believe this to be a lovely, broad theme which will enable those who organise the day to make it fun, original and captivating. We also hope it will inspire those who come to join in the fun of the day to be creative.

“Last year’s Tales of Old theme brought some fantastic costumes to the town including great efforts from the staff at The Kings Head and The Mermaid Inn.

“Shop windows were dressed with such creative displays and last years worthy winners at St Michaels Hospice really went to town with their double window depicting at least 10 of the Tales of Old!”

This year, local artist Andy Viner has been commissioned to work on the event’s poster artwork.

Andy is the son of Chris Viner who owns the Soldiers of Rye shop.

Jen added: “The Facebook Guess the Theme competition reached over 3,000 people in under 10 hours and we received a large number of fantastic guesses which we are sure to make use of in future years, thank you all for taking part. The winner of the competition was Suzanne Brooks. Suzanne has received a prize of a hamper of toys kindly donated by one of our key sponsors, Adams of Rye.

“Adams do a great deal for the town, as they have us, and they are the go to place for a large range of great quality toys in town.”

Follow the group’s Facebook page for further updates throughout the year.

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