On sale from Sunday
Tickets for the 55th annual Rye Arts Festival go on sale this Sunday 26 July.
The festival, in the last two weeks in September, will include concerts, talks, film screenings, walks and exhibitions across the town. High-profile guests will be announced this Sunday.
Rye News will be previewing the Festival in the coming weeks. You can buy tickets from Sunday on the Festival’s website.
Skate park vandalism
The skate park on the Cricket Salts is closed after vandalism on Tuesday evening 21 July.
Oil was deliberately spilt on the ramps making them unsafe.
A spokesperson for Rye Town Council said, “The skate ramps are highly sensitive surfaces and we are exploring the best way to fully clean up the spill in a safe way. Until that time it is unsafe for use and could be particularly hazardous for skateboard and scooter users.”
The crane’s gone
The 60 metre 400 tonne crane that’s dominated the Rye skyline in recent months has been removed. It had been responsible for installing 50 metres of steel sheet piles to help protect the Rother riverbank next to Monk Bretton Bridge.
The work to prevent erosion moves into the next phase. A Geotextile mat is being installed which will help stabilise the rock armour being placed on the bank behind the piling.
Last week in Rye News we revealed the cost of the work is estimated to be £3.2 million.
Congratulations on five years
The Sunflower Charity Shop on Cinque Ports Street in Rye is celebrating its 5th birthday this weekend. On Saturday 25 July they are having a special day to celebrate with amazing clothes for sale. Please drop in and support them.
The shop, which raises funds for the Romney Marsh Community Hub, has flourished over those five years due to the dedication of the staff, Clair Debley-Turner as manager and Maria Mewburn as her deputy and their volunteers.
New on the High Street
A new children’s shop opened on Rye High Street on Saturday 18 July.
KYOSK is in the old Pocketful of Rye store and has been fully refurbished. It is run by Sarah and Gilly who say the shop is a “new destination for families who believe childhood and the homes children grow up in should be filled with wonder, colour and a touch of the unexpected.”
It is located at 5a High Street.
Pirates Day 2026
The full schedule for this year’s Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day 8 August has been published.
With events in the Gun Garden, Town Salts and Strand, along with a procession around town it will be a very busy day. Last year’s event saw hundreds of people dressed as pirates take part. More details in next week’s Rye News.
Worth supporting
Jeake’s House Hotel on Mermaid Street in Rye is holding a special Afternoon Tea in support of Breast Cancer charities on Saturday 22 August 1-5pm.
It’s £25 per person with a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes, scones and more accompanied by teas, coffee or soft drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.
Booking is essential – 01797 222828.
There will also be a raffle. Last year the event raised £2,795 for charity.
Image Credits: James Stewart , Rye Town Council , Rye News , Kt Bruce , Sunflower Charity Shop , KT Bruce , Rye Pirates , Jeake's House .