It’s Black Friday today, which we believe makes the official start of the countdown to Christmas – our advent calendars are poised ready for action on Monday and the panic over what to get people as Christmas presents is setting in, what better time to pause, relax and take a moment to find out about all the great events happening in Rye and Camber over the festive period, what a great time to be Beside The Sea…

Start the Christmas shopping campaign with a visit to the ‘Feast of Delights’ festival taking place at a The School a Creative Centre this Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November 10am – 5pm in Rye. Stalls of gifts, crafts and homemade goodies will be available alongside festive entertainment to help propel you into the Christmas spirit.

Friday 5th December sees the Wurlitzer Christmas Concert at The Milligan Theatre at Rye College. This evening of festive music is just £8 a ticket for adults and free for children, so what are you waiting for, book your tickets now.

The Rye Children’s Christmas Trail starts on Saturday 6th December, heads to Rye a Tourist Information Centre for more information on how to get your Children involved.

Get your party frock at the ready for A Christmas Party at The George Rye in aid of the Oliver Curd trust, a truly worthwhile charity – theolivercurdtrust.co.uk – tickets are £20 each which includes a buffet and disco, information about how to purchase tickets is here.

If Christmas Jumpers are more your style then another fun event that is raising money for charity is taking place at The Queens Head Inn on Friday 12th December, here they are holding a Christmas Jumper Day Quiz in aid of Save The Children. Tickets are £10 and include Curry & a Pint plus a raffle ticket and there will be cash prizes for the winners, book your space now

Saturday 13th December is when the town of Rye really gets into the Christmas swing, there is a Christmas market in the High Street and Strand Quay that starts at 2pm. At 3.30pm a very special guest, Santa is going to arrive with his helpers by boat at Strand Quay courtesy of the Harbour Master and his flotilla. Santa and his helpers will mingle with the crowd at Strand Quay, so if you want to meet Santa for a selfie, you know where to be! The festivities will then continue with a procession through the town at 4.30pm when Santa will join his procession of followers, the procession will be led by Buckswood Bagpipe band and will feature Blocco and the dancers of Rye College and Rye Studio School together with local schools and children. Lots of noise and colour parading through the town – something Rye is very good at! After the procession Santa will take his seat in his Grotto at Rye Museum from 5.00pm until 7.30pm.

If you are celebrating more than just the festive season and have recently got engaged then The George Rye is the perfect place for you and your beau to head on Sunday 14th December from 11am until 4pm as they are holding their Christmas wedding open day, if you are getting married and the idea of a gorgeous wedding in Rye appeals register to attend now to see the stunning facilities available.

Sunday 14th December also welcomes a Christmas Farmers Market to The Gallivant in Camber, celebrating local food, wine, beer and produce. There will be a hog roast, mince pies and mulled wine, Christmas cake for sale, an oyster bar and the chance to purchase locally grown Christmas trees!

More Christmas entertainment is coming Rye’s way with a Spotlight Variety Showcase being held at The School Creative Centre on Thursday 18th December, raising money for ARRCC – arrcc.org.uk

The last Saturday before Christmas welcomes a Christmas a Market and street entertainment to Rye and Strand Quay for that almost Christmas Day feeling, the market will be open from 2pm until 6pm – last minute Christmas shopping here we come!

Our final tip to really get you in the Christmas spirit is Handel’s Messiah performed by The Orchestra of St Paul’s, The Syred Consort and conductor Ben Palmer at St Mary’s church in the heart of Rye, the concert starts at 7pm and Tickets: £15 for adults, £12 for concessions and £5 for students and children can be purchased online, more information is here.

We hope that gives you some events for your advent diary to get you into the Christmas vibe!

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and wonderful 2015, we hope to see you Beside The Sea soon!