Processing around the town

Rye’s Christmas Festival “Toyland” this year featured both traditional amusements, like the carousel and stalls from a variety of organisations, before the highlight of the procession in the later afternoon last Saturday, and Rye News photographers Kenneth Bird, John Minter and members of the Rye and District Camera Club capture some of those moments below.

The day kicked off at 11am with lots of activity down at the market, as the stalls in Cinque Ports street opened and the Carousel in the market started to attract its first customers. Some time later the arrival of Santa, out of the station, attracted the first of the crowds and he made his way to the Toyland express which, as it was not run by Southern Rail, could be guaranteed  to be on time all day. Accompanied by two giant elves, he made his way down the train, finally finding a first class seat at the front for the journey to his grotto.

Strolling through the town, visitors were starting to arrive, and some attracted by the sound of music, left the High Street and headed towards the Butter Market where there were performances throughout the day from among others the enormous Rock Choir, and the Ukulele Experiment, down to small groups and individuals. Carols and music both modern and traditional entertained the crowds.

Meanwhile, the main stage in the Strand was also continuously occupied by dancers, singers or bands – and they were most impressive, mainly for their ability to withstand the biting cold. The dancers in particular, wearing little in the way of keep-warm gear, danced around the stage as if it was midsummer.

But, back to the High Street, and it was time for the Pudding Races and tug-of-war. Both adult versions were won by the football club and in the subsequent children’s pudding races the contestants seemed to get smaller and smaller and smaller.

By now, it was beginning to get dark and one of the main events, the Parade, was forming up. Led by Father Christmas, complete with sleigh, reindeer and elves, and preceded by the Town Crier, a procession of toys, elves, primary schoolchildren with wonderful lanterns that they had made, cubs, cadets, the Bonfire Society drummers (and what Rye event would now be complete without them), and finally, breathing fire, Scorcher – Rye’s very own tame dragon.

Shortly after this, the mayor arrived to give his annual speech outside the George and those with any stamina left, walked up to the church for carols.

An excellent day, with plenty of mulled wine and mince pies if you knew where to look for them and, all in all, a credit to the hard work of the organisers and the months of effort they had put in to ensure that everything went without a hitch.

Photos: Kenneth Bird, John MInter and many thanks to R and D Camera Club

Photos: Kenneth Bird, John MInter and many thanks to R and D Camera Club