Festival fever hits town as the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival kicks-off this weekend for the 11th year, and it’s so encouraging to see it going from strength to strength. Next year, in response to the increasing numbers of music loving visitors, together with the demand for even bigger headline acts, the festival will expand to the Town Salts. Here, following the tremendous success of Rye Jazz Festival director Ian Bowden’s Sidmouth Jazz and Blues Festival, a large outdoor stage and vibrant festival village will elevate the event to the next level, and it’s going to be great to see!
Hot on the heels of the Jazz Festival, the Rye Arts Festival, in its 53rd year, kicks off on Friday September 13 in great fashion with another fabulously colourful programme. Those with a keen eye will surely have noticed a curious addition to the schedule: a brand new mini-festival taking place on the Cricket Salts during the opening weekend.
The inaugural Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair will take place on Saturday September 14 and Sunday September 15. Brought to life by yours truly, the fair will celebrate the culinary arts by showcasing the finest wine and artisanal food from our region.
The fair will feature 13 exceptional local vineyards and winemakers including Gusbourne, Tillingham, Charles Palmer and Oxney. In addition to the wines, a carefully curated selection of local produce stalls will offer artisanal brews, premium meats, seafood, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and charcuterie – all from within 40 miles of Rye.
The weekend promises to be truly memorable – not just a wine and food event but a cultural experience. Compèred by Rye’s own Graeme Foster of Rye Fine Wines, the line-up includes live music, talks, comedy, poetry, cookery demonstrations and fine dining. It’s a one-of-a-kind event, and I’m absolutely thrilled that it’s a part of the Rye Arts Festival. I am humbled by the support and deeply proud to be adding another dimension to the impressive and diverse program that the arts festival is so famous for.
Join us for an English Fizz and Canapé Launch Party on Friday September 13 where we’ve invited the fabulous DJ Auntie Maureen to tastefully set the tone for another memorable year!
Tickets on sale at https://www.wineandfoodfair.events/get-tickets
Image Credits: Jane Brook , Kt Bruce .