Join us for a magical musical pilgrimage, this time starting from St Thomas’ Church in Winchelsea, where The Victoria Consort, a professional choral ensemble specialising in pre-Reformation choral music and Gregorian chant, will perform newly discovered works from the Royal court of El Hechizado “The bewitched” King Charles II, the last Habsburg ruler of the Spanish empire.

The Victoria Consort is returning to our Festival with Chamber Organ and Theorbo to perform the music of Jaun del Vado y Gomez, (1625-1691). These lost works have recently been transcribed from the royal manuscripts. They are full of delicious harmonies that signify the arrival of the baroque style music from the Spanish Royal Court. This first half of the performance will last approximately one hour and there will also be time to explore the wonderful church dedicated to St Thomas.

We will then set out on our pilgrimage to St Mary’s Church in Rye, walking through Winchelsea, under the Strand Gate, following a route that takes us along Sea Road, past Castle Farm towards Camber Castle and Castle Water, heading towards Rye. We will walk at a comfortable place and the walk should take around an hour and a half to complete.

At St Mary’s, The Victoria Consort will perform further music from the Spanish Royal Court. The combination of great music, medieval architecture and countryside all come together in this bi-located extravaganza.

Rye Community buses will be available from approximately 14:00 to transport people from Rye to Winchelsea to arrive in time for the first concert at an additional cost of £1 per passenger. Buses will leave from the Bus Stop at Rye Station. You are strongly advised to book a bus trip well in advance.

Please note: we are unable to offer return bus trips between Rye and Winchelsea.