On Sunday night, September 28, at 7.30pm, it was all over, except for some clearing up. The final event was Timberlina’s Bingo Night which played to a full house!
All those in the community centre were unified in their praise, many saying it was the best festival yet: certainly there had been a huge buzz in the town throughout its two weeks.
Highlights of the final ten days start with Sir Tony Robinson, who when addressed as Sir Tony said: “Just call me Tone.” He was funny, moving and nostalgic in equal measure and played to another of the festival’s packed houses, as had the Rye Harbour Herrings and Pett Slip Buoys a few days earlier.
They had the audience enthusiastically joining in the choruses of the well-known shanties. Some of the special ones written about Rye Harbour and Pett Level were particularly well received.
On the musical theme, on Wednesday September 24 talented classical guitarist Gonçalo Maia Caetano from Portugal wowed his audience in the Tudor Room at the Mermaid, on Sunday Martin Bruce filled St Mary’s for his organ recital. He played compositions from the 16th century through to the 20th and showed off the versatility of the impressive Norman and Beard organ at St Mary’s.
Barefoot Opera at the Creative centre enthralled its audience (link to the other story). A delightful concert took place in St Mary’s on Friday with Andy Nunn and Year 5 of Rye Primary School. Microphones were not needed as they belted out the songs that Andy had taught them. Clear diction, excellent expression and sheer delight when they saw their families in the audience were all clear to see. Hats off to Andy for a super concert, full of passion and fun.
Angelina and JC Bradshaw, billed as the best in Roots music, played on Friday evening. JC Grimshaw demonstrated his mastery on the lap slide guitar, ukulele, mandolin and harmonica.
Saturday night saw the community centre come energetically to life with an audience that was there to dance to ska as they listened to Intensified of Folkestone (although only one member still lives there now!).LINK
Bernadette Russell gave her audience a fun, interactive story-telling show to those who came to the Tilling Green Community Centre. She was terrific and the children were very excited to participate and we did have a very important Wise Man who played a key rôle, much to the delight of his family.
Sy Mary’s Centre hosted an art exhibition called Edgelands. It was not only compelling but thought-provoking too.
This was, indeed, an amazing festival and a huge thank you goes to Andy and Niki Stuart, the trustees, the sponsors and to all the volunteers who manned every event. Now the planning begins for the next blockbuster in 2026.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Jeff Grice , Jeff Grice .
We love Timberlina xx