This weekend probably really started for me last night (Thursday) with an Extinction Rebellion meeting in the Queen’s Head in Landgate about climate change followed by a swift pick-me-up in The Grapevine wine bar in Conduit Hill where it’s time (as usual) for Cogan’s Cocktails (from a maestro of London’s West End hotels) along with Mick Bolton and some jazzy blues until late.
But the main jazz events will be at the festival all weekend, despite the main venue St Mary’s Church at the top of the town having a slight pigeon problem.
The birds have got into the church and often dive-bomb the congregation during services. the verger is experimenting with bird calls on his phone from predators to frighten them off, but Friends of St Mary’s chairman Anthony Kimber is looking for an infallible solution. In the meantime jazz fans may need to be wary !
The Grapevine offers a pigeon-free jazz environment all weekend for free, but you’ll need to pay £5 for any drink including water !. Acts appearing over the long weekend include Red Diesel, Los Twangueros and Dom Pipkin.
Other offerings in daylight hours include two artists’ exhibitions – one (Tuesday Painters) in St Mary’s Centre next to the free jazz sessions outside the Kino cinema in Lion Street, and the other in the Dance Hall behind Conduit Hill’s Community Centre.
That centre also features something different over the weekend, as does the news arts centre at Bridge Point, Strand Quay.
The Grapevine features three artists each day from today (Friday) until Monday and is open until 1.30 a.m each night with the Bling Crosbies featuring Bank Holiday Monday.
However, for slightly different entertainment, nearby Beckley has its Church Fete, Fun Dog Show and Wealden Brass Band also on Bank Holiday Monday from 1pm to 4pm, and, also on Bank Holiday Monday, Jempsons Supermarket at Peasmarsh has a charity boot fair (pitches open from 7am) in aid of the Rye & District Day Centre.
But, given the weather forecast, you may decide to head for the beach at Camber Sands – as might much of South London ! If you wish to stay healthy though you may opt for a little walk!
Image Credits: Heidi Foster , Rye News library .