Day of Syn
The Day of Syn is a bi-annual event in Dymchurch using the local theme of smuggling and the Dr Syn stories by Russell Thorndike. It is held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with the last one being held in 2019. The event had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid-19 virus. The next Day of Syn is planned for 26, 27 & 28 August (BH) 2023.
Photo Galleries of past Day of Syn
Over the five decades, since it began, it has grown into a three-day event where you can expect to see battle re-enactments between smugglers and Revenue Officers (see below), a court trial, historical demonstrations, Morris dancing, musical acts, fun, entertainment and the Grand Procession.
The Dymchurch population dress up as the Dr Syn characters from the novels. Over the three days you can expect to meet the likes of Mr MIpps, Jimmie Bone, Sir Anthony Crabtree, Dr Seenacherib Pepper, Mrs Waggetts, Imogene Almago and Dr Syn himself.
It all started in 1964 when the Parochial Church Council of St Peters and St Paul urgently needed funds to pay for the renewal of the church roof. In order to raise money the church decided to organise a pageant and fete for the local village.
Russell Thorndike the creator of Dr Syn permitted the church to use the title ‘Day of Syn’ for the pageant and fete they were organising. The pageant and fete continued and in 1966 a committee was be formed. This was and still is made up of the P.C.C and local organisations.
Day of Syn Parade (Ack.54)
The Day of Syn committee works very hard organising the event and raising funds to put on the pageant for free. They do not receive any payment for their efforts all their hard work is done voluntarily. The idea was that the pageant would bring people into the village and the fete would enable local charities to have stalls and sideshows allowing them to raise funds for their organisations.
Further Information
You can find out more by visiting the Day of Syn website.
Alternatively please contact Ian Hyson 
01303 872341 or Sheila Jones 01303 873661
Day of Syn Re-enactment on the Beach (Ack.54)
Photos courtesy of Greatstone Girl Photography
Photos courtesy of Kevin Beale
