The Buttermarket

The Buttermarket is the open area at the front of Rye Town Hall, not routinely open to the public, this unique outdoor location hosts many of our free festival performances.

Historically, it is where the butter and cheese market was held.

A series of Court buildings stood where the present Town Hall is today.

The market and its transactions were carefully controlled.

One use of the market area was to mete out public punishments, intended to deter further miscreants; there was a time when schoolboys were brought to witness the fate of the accused. 

Free live music performances outside the Buttermarket during the festival are subject to confirmation of additional funding!