There is still time to register your team at this year’s Rye Festival of the Sea.
For the Raft Race, Rafts carrying up to 8 in a team can take part and entry forms are available on the website www.ryefestivalofthesea.co.uk . This race is the most amazing fun, the water is quite warm right now, so don’t worry about getting wet and the crowds along the river bank will cheer you on every inch of the way. And the more rafts that enter, the more exciting the racing.
Likewise, teams of 6 (can be single or mixed gender) for the tug of war are most welcome. So you don’t fancy getting wet? Then how about the tug of war. Always a crowd-puller, a bit of fun for both participants and spectators , and the Rye News Trophy for the winners. This is often one for the boys, but how about some ladies teams? Entry details again on the website.
There is also a competition to find the Festival of the Sea Queen, kindly sponsored by Rye Retreat – anyone over 18 can enter, male or female, the Queen will be asked to start the Raft Race and present prizes alongside the Mayor of Rye. We have asked a talented local artist to create a Crown for the winner too! As a thank you, Rye Retreat are offering a complimentary pamper session including hair and make up on the day – a fabulous and generous prize from the Rye Retreat. Just send in a photo and 3 reasons why you should be chosen as the Queen to felicity@theryeretreat.co.uk
Finally, if you would like to get involved in other ways, there are vacancies for stewards on the day, let us know at ryefestivalofthesea@gmail.com
The Festival thanks its backers
The Rye Festival of the Sea could not happen without the generosity of the sponsors behind it.
Rye Town Council have been very supportive in helping with the less glamorous but highly essential parts of the festival such as insurance, first aid cover, various licenses required and all the health and safety paperwork.
Douglas Rowe Finance and GMP Accountants are sponsors of the main stage, where well known local musicians will be performing from noon to 6pm, with lots of maritime music and well known songs to join in with.
The Rye Retreat are backing the Festival Queen competition with a wonderful pamper session for the winner.
The Raft Race winners are sponsored by a cash prize from Rock Channel Marine, where Shipwright Andi Rivett has also crafted the Reg Emson Trophy, with runners up receiving a cash prize from Rye Shoes. The Tug of War trophy is sponsored by Rye News.
Other companies have been generous to sponsor banners and other costs such as Waves estate agents
Photos: Festival of the Sea