In pictures: Shanty singing and scallops at Rye as popular festival gets underway

The annual Rye Scallop Week got underway on Saturday February 21 with a number of sea shanty groups performing at pubs and venues across the town.

Singing were Rye Harbour Herrings, Completely Scuppered from Hastings and the Pett Slip Buoys.

Local man Martin Bruce performed a new song which he had written about the town’s famous Mermaid Inn.

People were able to enjoy scallop dishes at pubs and restaurants around the town.

The event continued on Sunday with a free special classic cars event at Aubrey Halls, Rock Channel where people could buy bacon and scallop breakfast rolls and have grilled scallops for lunch.

There was coffee from Ground Up, chocolate from Cocoamore and wine from The Winery.

Rye Bay Scallop Week runs Saturday 21st February – Sunday 1st March 2026. For the full list of pubs and restaurants taking part, visit www.scallop.org.uk.

Pictures by Kt Bruce.

1. Scallop breakfast rolls being served up at Aubrey Halls in Rye

Scallop breakfast rolls being served up at Aubrey Halls in Rye Photo: Kt Bruce

2. Rye Harbour Herrings

Rye Harbour Herrings Photo: Kt Bruce

3. Drummers performing at the Scallop Festival

Drummers performing at the Scallop Festival Photo: Kt Bruce

4. Scallop breakfast rolls being served up at Aubrey Halls in Rye