Join us on Saturday 2nd December 2023 for our Christmas in Rye Festival!

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Full of all kinds of festive fun for the whole family including Santa's Grotto, musical performances, the famous High Street races, festive shopping, the Christmas procession, the end of day carol concert and so much more!

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PARKING

We have not had a problem with parking in the town in previous years but we encourage those that can walk in do so. If public transport is available and convenient for you then please use this where possible. 

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Please be aware that as the High Street will be closed on Saturday 2nd December, there will be no parking in this area.

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All car parks run by Rother District Council (Bedford Place, Lucknow Place, The Strand, Gibbet Marsh) will be free of charge all day on Saturday for the festival. Please note there will still be charges for on street parking and Cinque Ports Street car park will be closed all day!

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LOST CHILDREN/LOST PROPERTY

On Saturday, our main contact points will be at the Rye Train Station. Any lost children or belongings should be brought here and will be looked after until collected. Alternatively, find a member of the festival committee (wearing red high vis).

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OUR STAFF

All festival staff can be easily identified by their red high vis jackets. If you have any concerns or problems on the day, please find one of us and we will be happy to help. All festival committee have current DBS certification.

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FIRST AID

First aiders will be located on the High Street but will be roaming through the town throughout the day. 

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ROAD CLOSURE

The high street will be closed for the duration of Saturday 2nd December with no access between 9am- 7pm. Marshalls will be at entry and exit points to the high street to ensure that all pedestrians are safe.  

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The procession on Saturday will involve a rolling road closure on Station Approach, Cinque Ports & Tower Street during the time of the procession only - the procession will leave the Train Station at 17:30. Please ensure any children in the procession are accompanied by an adult.

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NON-FESTIVAL SELLERS

Events such as these can attract street sellers and stalls. While the committee will do all they can to prevent this, it is something that is sometimes beyond our control. 

The Rye Christmas Festival committee do not take responsibility for the goods or services of any un-authorised traders at the event.

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KEY EVENTS/TIMINGS 

10:47AM: Father Christmas will arrive at Rye Train Station before heading to his grotto

11AM: Horse & Carriage rides begin around the town

3PM: High Street Races begin in the High Street

5:30PM: The Christmas Procession will leave the Train Station for a loop of the town

6PM: Arrival at St Mary's Church for the Carol Concert (starts at 6:15pm)

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For a full updated list of everything going on, please see our Instagram post here!