The 54th annual Rye Arts Festival kicks off on the evening of Thursday, September 11 with a free concert in St Mary’s Church, starting at 7.30pm, with the massed voices of The Marsh Choir (Rye Section) lead by the irrepressible and inspirational Carly Bryant.
And then on Friday attention switches to the Rye Community Centre, where the West African rhythms of Jali Baray Konteh and his band Minyanta will turn Rye’s People’s Palace of Pleasure into a red hot hall in Serekunda, The Gambia! Tickets can be bought on the door.
In the following week on Tuesday, September 16 we can look forward to a gig by Rye’s very own Mike Boyd – a former town mayor and a virtuoso on the pianola and reproducing piano. Come and listen to the first ever performance of Elgar’s Enigma Variations on Duo-Art rolls and second half will focus on classic jazz by the likes of Fats Waller. This is an experience that is not to be missed!
Earlier in the day there are two fascinating talks in the George ballroom. Caroline Elton, talks about caring for her autistic brother and it will be moving but uplifting too! And Rye’s own Paul Camic will be presenting the latest research on how the arts, in all its forms, can help family carers through the dementia process. So if you are affected by dementia in all its stages why not come along to find out more?
Wednesday, September 17 see three events also in the George ballroom. In the morning, at 11am, Pat Argar continues her series about writers who have lived in or been influenced by Romney Marsh, and she will bring this up to date with a focus on the 21st century. At 3.00pm renowned author, Sarah Dunant, will be talking about Marchesa – her biography of the foremost and greatest collector and patron of Rennaissance Europe -Isabella D’Este, the Marchioness of Mantua. And in the evening we welcome the Teddy Bear Ladies – Amanda Middleditch and Julie Tatchell from the BBC’s The Repair Shop.
For more information and to book tickets for these and the other 60 events go to www.ryeartsfestival.org.uk
Image Credits: Rye Arts Festival .