Sienna Hollands, daughter of Anita and Glenn who own Simon the Pieman and Layfields in the centre of Rye, received a very official letter from Councillor Andi Rivett, mayor of Rye, asking her to be the special guest to turn on the lights on the town Christmas tree on Friday, December 2. She was really excited. The countdown began at 5.30pm, 10, 9, 8 ……..3, 2, 1 and the button was pressed.
Everyone clapped and cheered “Happy Christmas!” Andi then thanked Sienna and the assembled guests, all the businesses and townsfolk in Rye who were taking part in the two-day Christmas extravaganza, and wished everyone a happy Christmas. The town was a blaze of lights, sights, sounds and smells as a group of us wandered through the streets. As we walked up the Mint the deep rhythmic sounds of Ryebellion drew us nearer.
Outside the George they were entertaining an excited crowd who always enjoy the sessions with this band of Rye drummers. Next stop was Lamb House, bedecked in a New England Christmas. There was a warm welcome from the staff who had worked so hard to transform the house into the Christmases of long ago. A quartet of brass players from the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra entertained the festive visitors.
Upstairs the walls were decorated beautifully by the learners of The Oaks Specialist College. They had made intricate stars and garlands and it certainly looked like a New England Christmas. The National Trust staff had banded together to make paper chains and dress every room appropriately. It was so difficult to choose where to go next so we wove our way down the high street and popped into various shops.
Everyone was in a jolly mood and there were drinks and food on offer. The windows looked inviting, and everyone had gone to a great deal of trouble to make it vibrant. There was more music to sample at the town hall from Mark Leggstick, Martin Ledner, The Haunted Folk and the Marsh Choir and the Buttermarket looked stunning. The Ukelele group played outside Adams on the high street. There was so much on offer and the town of Rye came up trumps once more. Happy Christmas.
Image Credits: Martin Bruce , Kt bruce , Robin Dowsing , Abigail Cooper Hansen .