For those who ventured out into the streets of Rye this last weekend they were in for a real treat, in addition to the fabulous Christmas lights which line the streets and the superb Christmas tree on the main approach road into town, we were all treated to something special.
Rye’s Window Wanderland, organised by Arabella Ansar, took hold of the town and stepped it up a gear when so many shops, homes and businesses got into the spirit of the weekend and put together a spectacular array of colourful displays as good as have ever been witnessed in Rye.
For once, the weather was kind to us (at least on Saturday) and the mild dry weather coupled with the social media advertising campaign brought a good number of additional visitors to the town to enjoy the spectacle and what a welcome relief after all that we have been through in recent months.
There was live music from Phil Trainor, Ryebellion drummers, Tommy Ludford and Rye Jazz favourites The Violet Jive, who performed live in a window as an installation piece, and an impromptu trumpeting Santa who arrived unannounced. ‘Live’ artist James Tomlinson pulled in the crowds at the Rye Heritage Centre, and around every corner, it seemed, there was a different window display - no common theme, but such a huge amount of effort by so many who grabbed the opportunity to take part in something special, and whose joint efforts made the weekend such a huge success.
Every window deserves a mention, but there just isn’t space to do it here, but everyone who took part should be congratulated for their hard work, initiative and ability to pull together against all the odds in true community spirit.
The pictures do the talking and the selection below are just a glimpse of what was available for all to enjoy, and for those who couldn’t make it, I'm sure the benchmark has been set - and next year, who knows what Rye Window Wanderland will look like?
