“Such a lot going on for quite a small town” a German visitor told me whilst we waited for an arts festival concert to begin in St Mary’s last week. As well as commenting on the wonky pew we were both sitting on and how unexpected it was to be able to get a glass of wine in church, she also said: “How lucky you are to live here.”
Of course she’s right. We are lucky. Rye is a great place to live and there is a lot going on, not least the 53rd Rye Arts Festival that’s just finished. You’d be hard pushed to find nothing in the programme that appealed.
I’ve enjoyed some fantastic music, heard inspiring talks, learnt more about our local history, and (always a highlight) watched Rye Players in action with their latest play Holmes Under The Hammer.
What also struck me is how relaxed the festival is. I’m sure it wasn’t for the organisers, but there can’t be many places where you can just walk up and have a chat to world class authors and musicians.
Thank you to everyone who made it happen: the team who organised the programme, the stewards in the orange gilets, Andy sorting the tech, and everyone else behind the scenes.
Hard work from a lot of people. Here’s to the 54th Rye Arts Festival in 2025.
Image Credits: Paul Whiteman .