What a fantastic weekend! The Green Waves Festival in the playing fields at the Tilling Green Community Centre brought in the crowds on 15 and 16 August.
The day kicked off with a tour around Tilling Green led by Ryebellion Drummers and Rye’s two town criers, with their young recruit. Annabelle, the winner of the loudest voice at last year’s Town Criers Competition in the Gun Garden at 95 decibels. “I can be really noisy,” she said, proudly wearing her brand new uniform created by mum Lauren.
With stalls from local community groups, a marquee, food and drink there was plenty to see, along with performances from local youngsters and line dancers. There was also a tug of war and children’s sports.
The dog show took advantage of the shaded area under the trees because of the heat. Pippa was chosen as best in show by judges Bernadine Fiddimore and Nikki Harrington-Carter. “She’s amazing,” said owner Becs Wilson. “Pippa only has three legs, but that doesn’t hold her back. She’s like a little racehorse and loves the beach and loves life.”
Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore was impressed by the festival. “It’s only the second year and to see it so busy is brilliant. It’s really good to be part of it. A massive well done to Dan, Donna, Graham and all the volunteers here.”
The festival entertainment switched in the early evening to music in the big marquee. Local duo Chris and Graham kicked off with a set of well-known and well-presented cover tunes. which were much appreciated by the audience. Poppy Prescott from Hastings followed with her soft soulful ballads, accompanied on banjo by Keir Tyson, manager at Rye’s Whitehouse.
Led by top musician and sound engineer Jacob Willoughby on keyboards, Rye’s own Mighty Zircon’s made a triumphal return to Green Waves 2026 with a resounding reggae and funk based set that got the audience dancing enthusiastically. The Sound Syndicate, a very popular five piece from Hastings, played a mix of 80s, 90s and more current tunes that kept people on their feet and singing along.
Family day on Sunday featured a popular petting zoo delivered by Manor Farm Experiences from Reigate which left every child and many parents with big smiles, even those previously scared of snakes. Adding to the relaxed atmosphere was the Rye Ukulele Experiment and the Bee Tidings theatrical group with their amusing walkabout act.
In the evening, the second annual Youth Showcase opened with some virtuoso violin playing from America’s Sophie De Long followed by a large troupe of dynamic young dancers from Bexhill and well choreographed routines from the Tornado Twirl stars. Oriana, Sky, Noah, Jake and Arthur from the Rye Youth Zone presented their very first performance, while Kayla, a volunteer and circus instructor at RYZ beautifully demonstrated the art of aerial circus.
An audience favourite and stand out performance came from Hastings’ Lowlight Trio with their tasteful phrasing performing reimagined classics.
Organiser Dan Lake said, “This year’s Green Waves Festival might have been one less day but it felt so much bigger and better than last year. It was well worth the eight months of hard work. There are so many people to thank I wouldn’t want to miss anyone out, so thank you to everyone who helped make it such a big success.”
Image Credits: James Stewart , Peter Connock , Graham Ellis , Heidi Foster .