Rye Maritime Festival Ahoy!

Strand Quay will once again be packed with boats dressed in all their finery to celebrate the maritime history of Rye with a top line-up of entertainment scheduled.

Attractions include live music supplied by 1066 and additional local bands.

The Creole Jazz band will be performing as well as the Sea Shanty singers from Hastings, and there will be stilt walkers, owls from the Tomer Owl Sanctuary, the Cinque Port Morris Men, divers and a host of other features.

There will also be a beer tent, BBQ and local fish, both hot and cold, as well as many other delicacies and local produce.

Organiser Charles Bronsdon said: “Of special interest this year we have a local sailing boat which has just returned after 16 years of circumnavigating the world.

You will be able to talk to these intrepid sailors who will only be too pleased to answer all your questions.

“Also on the Strand we have an ex-naval mine-layer of World War 2 vintage and again the owner will be pleased to answer your questions. This, plus stands from the RNLI, Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, and many other attractions.”

The event runs from noon - 5pm and is organised by the Rye Harbour Boat Owners Association, The Rye Harbour Sailing Club and is supported by Rye Marketing Group. Rye Town Council, Rastrum Ltd , Atlas Business Park and other local businesses.