Bon Fire Mob
Not very often in life are we presented with a true 'stepping back in time' experience. One of those rare moments where you have shivers of excitement as you are confronted with pure sensory over-load. Rye, an ancient town in East Sussex, England, is the perfect backdrop for the most amazing Guy Fawkes pageantry.
Cobbled Quaintness of Rye
By day, the town of Rye has a classic English storybook feel. You can imagine many a child's fairy-tale being set in this gorgeous little town.
The Streets of Rye
At every angle, you experience Rye's charming street views.
The Windmill at Rye
Whilst in Rye, we stayed at The Windmill Guest House. This unique guest house was just bursting with robust charm. (More than once, I wanted to sing some Moulin Rouge tunes!! Unfortunately my cancan was far too rusty..)
Our hosts met that perfect balance of providing great, informal service, without being overly intrusive. Each morning we woke up to the sound of seagulls and country life, followed by the comforting smell of a home-cooked English breakfast. The rooms were well appointed, designed around a country seafaring theme.
Crowds outside The George Pub
As night began to fall in Rye, the streets swelled with revellers preparing for the Guy Fawkes Parade. We made the foolish mistake of thinking we'd just pop into a pub for some dinner. Without a reservation, we struggled to find somewhere. Luckily our hosts had recommended Simply Italian on The Strand.
The Ghostly Mob
We had a quick but lovely dinner then took to the streets to watch the parade. The night air was lusciously crisp and pitch black with flashes of private firework breaking overhead. It wasn't long before the roll of the drums could be heard and the parade came into sight. Most of the groups took on a ghoulish theme. (Voodoo practitioners?)
Clergy and Seafarers
Walking side-by-side, the clergy and seafarers made their way through the cobbled streets flanked by flaming torches.
English Brigadiers
This group of brigadiers brought to mind Rye's need for protection against the ever-present French threat of days gone by...
Roaring Bonfire
Once the parade finished, all its members settled at the base of the town and where they lit the most enormous bonfire by throwing their torches on the wood pile. If you look closely, you can see all the townspeople surrounding the fire.
Fiery Rye Skye
The National Colours represented in the night sky as plumes of white/grey smoke contrasted with the red glow from the fire and the mysterious blue hue that hung low.
Green Faery
With the bonfire fully ablaze, the fireworks started.
Red Devil
The fireworks punctured the night sky for a good 15 minutes. A grand finale to a wonderful evening.
Lord Frewbe Presents
What better activity after an enchantingly medieval experience than a pub lunch the next day? After a full morning of picking through the many antique shops of Rye, we enjoyed a hearty fish and chips for lunch at The Ship Inn. (Highly recommended!!)
Go visit the ancient town of Rye.
Yours truly,
Lord Frewbe
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