Rye Observer comment.

Rye has its festival in September, bonfire celebrations in November and Taste of Rye in October but other than the Raft Race there has been a drought of summer events.

That is set to change on Saturday when the Red Arrows fly into town to round of a day of festivities.

Then in a few weeks time Rye College brings its colourful carnival magic to the streets of Rye.

There is also lots happening in the villages with a summer festival at Brede, on Saturday, and a continuing wildlife festival at Rye Harbour.

The feel-good factor should be high - let’s hope the weather remembers it is summer.

PUBS are often the hub of a community and with so many closing or under threat it is good to see the Smugglers at Pett Level re-opening after a period of being closed.

And just up the road in Pett itself the much loved Royal Oak should be opening some time soon after being saved by villagers who formed a consortium to buy it.

This model works well and has proved to be a great success in Salehurst, where local people got together to save The Halt, and more recently at the Cross Inn at Staplecross.