Money to pay for Rye’s Christmas lights continues to flood in. The target to start paying the contractors has been reached and the lights will begin to be installed on 24 November.
“People have been amazing,” says Fran Huxley from Simply Rye, one of the shopkeepers on the working group trying to find a solution. “It just shows how passionate people are about Rye and what an amazing community we have. There’s been a stunning response from local people and the town’s businesses. I can’t tell you how happy I am.”
In October it became clear plans to install the lights this year had fallen through because of safety and insurance issues, along with funding and changes connected to the cancellation of the Rye Christmas Festival.
Since then local people and Rye’s businesses have rallied round with a range of donations both large and small. Collections have been made around town and a fundraiser at the Queen’s Head raised over £500. Musicians Cal Roberts, Andy Guainiere, Jacob Willoughby, Rick De Long, Les Davison and Richard Morley, and singers Sally Bayly, Rebecca Stroud and Dennis McMahon, jammed to a packed crowd.
For offers of help and questions about pledging money email ryechristmaslights@gmail.com
If you have a cash donation, drop into Simply Rye or Hunter Jones
To donate money this is the direct link to the CrowdFunder page.
The Christmas Window Display Competition launched by Rye Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Rye News and Rye Town Council continues. The towns shops and businesses are being invited to take part with some big prizes. More details here.
Judging will take place in the last week of November, with the winner announced on 28 November as part of the Christmas Tree Festival in St Mary’s church. Plans are also coming together for a number of town centre shops to stay open that evening too.
In December there will be free parking in Rye on the three Saturdays before Christmas. There will be no charges from 8am to 7pm on 6, 13 and 20 December in Rother District Council car parks – Cinque Ports Street, The Strand, Bedford Place, Lucknow Place and Gibbet Marsh.
Image Credits: Nick Forman , Danielle De Long .