Captain Jack Sparrow set to light up Rye

Christmas Festival organisers have pulled off a piratical surprise by persuading the top look-a-like to perform the honours.

A dead-ringer for Johnny Depp, who played Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, he delighted hundreds of people in the world record breaking Pirate Day event at Hastings earlier this year.

Rye Christmas Festival organiser Roger Crouch said: “Captain Jack will be in Rye from 2pm on Saturday December 4.

“He is excellent and also a perfect soundalike and I think he will be a superb character to turn the Christmas tree lights at the George in Rye.

“Captain Jack will mix and mingle with people at Strand Quay and then make his way around the streets of Rye, meeting everyone and have his photo taken with them for those that want to.

“On December 11 we have the magical procession through town with father Christmas and reindeer and a colourful Christmas Market on Strand Quay.

“Come and meet Captain Jack on the 4th, bring your camera and have your photo taken with him as he walks through the streets of Rye.

“Once Jack has turned the Christmas Tree lights on, join him to watch the spectacular fireworks display from Hilders Cliff.”