The the 45th annual Rye Arts Festival ( September 17 – October 1) is about to kick in just over a couple of weeks, and some events have already sold out! Interest is building in what is set to be the biggest and best Festival yet.
The first literary talk to sell out was by veteran broadcaster Baroness Joan Bakewell on September 28 and this was followed by a talk about Henry James on September 18 at Lamb House. However, the good news is that the speaker Andreas Prindl has agreed to do a second talk on James on the same day at 7pm in Lamb House, so tickets are available for those who want to hear more about the writer who lived and worked in Rye and the centenary of whose death we are commemorating this year.
Another quick sell out was a special screening of Cold Comfort Farm at the Kino on September 18. The film, directed by John Schlesinger, was largely shot in and around the Rye area.
And in the classical music programme the first concert to close its doors for sales was An Enchanted Evening at Iden church on September 27.
“However, while some events have sold out and others are fast approaching capacity the good news is that there are tickets available for plenty of other exciting concerts and talks, including two operas – Turn of the Screw and Don Pasquale – an explanation of Winston Churchill and his very troubled personal finances, folk musicians from around the world, and a number of walks in and around Rye,” says Mike Eve, chairman of Rye Arts Festival.
“There really is something for everyone in a packed programme. To find out what’s on, Festival brochures can be found at shops, pubs and hotels in and around town, or you can look and book tickets instantly online at www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk to ensure you don’t miss out.”
Photos: courtesy RAF
What a misleading headline! One event ‘sold out ‘ does not mean the whole Festival is a sell -out. Don’t be surprised if the ticket sales go down!
Also, as a ‘child ‘ of a career R.A.F. officer, I have to object to the use of initials when describing the Rye Festival – albeit an organisation very close to my heart. It does not compare to the Royal Air Force in any respect.