On Saturday August 2025 9, Rye came alive with pirates and smugglers – a celebration of the local Rye heritage. Thousands joined in the fun, but what made the day work? Zoe Britton, one of the team who put the day together, reflects on this year’s event and looks forward to 2026.
The first ever Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day exceeded expectations, becoming a much-loved event for the town and wider community, thanks to the tremendous support it received from local people, businesses, volunteers—and of course the generosity of sponsors and donors.
What made it all possible?
From the outset, organisers were clear: this would be a free event, accessible to all, made possible entirely through sponsorships and donations from local businesses and members of the public.
The Brethren of the Sea consisting of Matt Summerfield, Zoe and Gary Britton, spoke openly of being “totally overwhelmed with the support and encouragement from the local community and businesses.”
The local businesses stepped up in many ways—not only financially but by hosting and facilitating parts of the event. Venues such as the Mermaid Inn, Heritage Centre, Rye Castle Museum, pubs including the Cinque Ports and Pipemakers Arms, the Ypres Tower, and locations around the town, all came together in support.
Stall holders at the Strand Quay, live music at the pubs and around the town, street performances, the pirate and smugglers parade, children’s treasure hunts—these all depended on local traders, artisans and community groups pitching in.
The entire community of Rye came together to celebrate the heritage including The Rye Players, Mayor Andy Stuart, Town Crier Paul Goring, Ryebellion and Drumskullz.
The crew were honoured to be joined by both the Day of Syn and Sheppey Pirates, both supporting the day.
Special thank you to the Harbour Master, the Environment Agency and Rugby Club for their support.
Our small team of volunteers, too, played a huge part helping with coordination on the day without that kind of community teamwork, the festival atmosphere wouldn’t have felt so genuine.
Local spirit in full sail
The day began with a procession through the town from the Gun Garden, led by the
town crier and the mayor, the Brethren of the Sea crew, with the drumming bands
Ryebellion and Drumskullz keeping the pace high and spirits higher.
Pirate and smuggler costumes were everywhere; the children’s best dressed competition was a huge success. The sight of striped shirts, tricorn hats, parrots and merriment everywhere was a visual sign that people had thrown themselves into the theme.
The smugglers market, food stalls, roaming characters, musical performances (including sea shanties), children’s crafts, treasure hunts—all gave something for every age. Families, visitors from outside Rye as well as townsfolk, mingled, browsed, laughed, joined in.
The wind in the sails
The financial and in-kind support was crucial:
Sponsors from among local businesses contributed not only money, but offered services essential to staging the event.
Public donations—via GoFundMe—helped cover the costs of staging performances,
equipment, insurance, publicity, etc.
Local businesses hosting parts of the event helped reduce overheads and anchored the event in the fabric of Rye.
Organisers have openly expressed their gratitude: “a thank you to all our sponsors for making it an amazing local community event.”
The impact: more than just a pirate day
The event drew visitors into Rye town centre, boosting footfall for shops, cafés, pubs and accommodations.
It reinforced community identity and pride: people volunteering, dressing up, engaging with the town’s history and each other.
It seeded something that feels likely to become a regular feature of Rye’s summer calendar.
Many of the local shops embraced the “best dressed shop competition” and first prize went to the Sunflower charity shop and the second to “Pirex of the Caribbean”.
Mark the calendar for 2026
Given the success of 2025, the organisers have already confirmed that Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day 2026 will take place on Saturday August 8 2026.
They promise more adventures, more shenanigans, and even more community participation and spectacle.
Plans are already being made for 2026 so to get involved, sponsor and volunteer – get in touch. Follow their social media on Facebook and instagram for the latest updates or email info@brethrenofthesea.co.uk
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Charlie Gould .