Charles Dickens and the Rye Flower and Veg Show

This week’s Ryecast recreates the day when one of the world’s literary greats visited Rye’s Flower & Vegetable show – and talks to the organisers of this year’s event.

Charles Dickens made a day trip to the Rye District Horticultural Society Show in 1852. Excerpts from his journal – read by local actor Ian Klemen – detail his thoughts about our town and describe the tents and produce on show. Dickens was hugely impressed by what he saw,  writing that “there was the most refined politeness in the whole spirit and manner of this little confabulation”. For Ian, playing Dickens is a first in a long career

The current organisers of the show – which takes place on Saturday 3rd of September at the Rye Community Centre – are proud to be continuing a long tradition. Lorna Hall and Helena Hudd restarted what’s now called The Rye Flower & Veg Show 17 years ago and have been telling Ryecast presenter James Stewart about why they’re so passionate about it. They explain how to enter, who can take part, and reflect on what Dickens has to say.

You can read more about Charles Dickens' visit to Rye and a link to his journal at www.ryecast.org.

For more about this year’s show visit www.ryeflowerandvegshow.co.uk