NEVER MIND THE SCALLOPS!

This year to officially 'open' the Scallop Festival, in a style befitting something as important as a scallop, the Ship Inn will be staging a SPECTACULAR brand new event, with a whole evening of scallop inspired entertainment hosted by famous performance artist TIMBERLINA!

Timberlina is a glamorous, jam making & gardening-loving bearded drag lady who has graced stages far and wide across the country, from South Bank Centre to Bridport Arts Centre, Latitude Festival to the Royal Opera House. Ms T has irreverently explored art history at the V&A and National Portrait Gallery and hosts a weekly Bingo Night at the London's legendry Royal Vauxhall Tavern (Every Monday). More info at www.timberlina.co.uk

The proceedings will begin with a fish inspired quiz, designed to get people in the mood and really start to emotionally engage with the depth of a scallop, particularly with what it means to be a Rye Bay Scallop, in this all important Jubilee Year.

Next it will be time to begin the fancy dress pageant where entrants compete to be crowned the Rye Bay Scallop King & Queen, to be given a winners feast on the Ship, and most importantly to be given the honour of officially starting the What a Load of Scallops Race when it sets off from the Ship the following Sunday.

Entrants – this is your opportunity to put yourself on the Rye town map and be in with a chance of entering the town's folk-lore....much like the region's famed status as a Cinque Port, or it's recognition as the home of Mapp & Lucia, for centuries to come you could be remembered for being crowned the inaugural Rye Bay Scallop King or Queen.....

To enter, you must of course create a wonderful costume, with a nautical theme. But as well as how you present yourself will be the chance to show us who you really are and the talents you possess....perhaps you've written a poem about a scallop, perhaps you can moon walk....all of these things will count towards the final decision which will be made on the night by the audience.

Tickets for the evening are:
£5 per person
Entry to the event is free if you're competing in the pageant.

The evening begins at 6pm and we expect to announce the winners at around 8.30pm.

Table service and drinks and bar snacks menu will be available throughout the evening.

Places are limited so get in touch with the Ship asap to book your tables for this auspicious occasion.