2026 Dates for your diary

Some people hate change, some people embrace it. John F. Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life…” This year we will say goodbye to some business stalwarts. Others will move location, regenerate forgotten areas or expand their burgeoning empires. At least two new restaurants will open in town in 2026. While the skyline will not change, the footprint inevitably will.

Many years ago, when I was walking up Lion Street, I overheard two women talking. “What does Rye need a cinema for?” For them it could only be a negative. Rye without the Kino is now unthinkable. We are so lucky that our town attracts endlessly dynamic and creative people, who bring new ideas and are willing to dedicate their time, energy and money to keeping Rye alive and relevant.

Comings and goings not withstanding, there is however, a framework of annual events that we look forward to, that we build our year around and that puts the spotlight on Rye in entirely different ways. This too, has two or three significant new additions which have only helped to enhance Rye as a vibrant and exciting destination. So here are some dates for your diary, whatever shape it takes: Google calendar, picture calendar on the kitchen wall, WhatsApp group, yoga group, family organiser or office planner.

Heritage Centre reopens:  14 February info@ryeheritage.co.uk  @ryeheritage

Rye Bay Scallop Week:           21 February – 1 March www.scallop.org.uk  @ryesussex

Lamb House reopens:            23 March  www.nationaltrust.org.uk  @lambhouse_nt

East Street Museum reopens:  4 April – weekends www.ryemuseum.co.uk  @ryecastlemuseum

Mayor Making Ceremony:      4 May

Rye Artists Summer Exhibition:  1-31 August www.ryesocietyofartists.co.uk  @ryeartists

Pirate and Smugglers Day:     8 August info@brethrenofthesea.co.uk  @ryepiratesandsmugglers

Rye and District Country Show: 22 August www.ryeshow.org.uk  @ryeanddistrictcountryshow

Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival:  28-31 August  www.ryejazz.com  @ryejazzblues

Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair:  11-12 & 13 September  www.wineandfoodfair.events @ryeharvest

Rye Arts Festival:            11-26 September www.ryeartsfestival.org.uk  @rye_arts_festival

Bonfire Night:                14 November  www.ryebonfire.co.uk @rye_bonfire

Christmas Tree Festival St Mary’s: 27 November

The final part of President Kennedy’s quotation goes as follows, “…And those who look only to the past or present, are certain to miss the future.” Happy New Year Rye. Whatever 2026 throws at us, as long as we work together and keep moving forward, everything will be just fine.

Image Credits: Charlie Gould , Jane Brook .