The organisers of this year’s Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival have launched an appeal to raise funds to stage free live music in the town centre over the August bank holiday.
The Festival runs from Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August and features seven headline ticketed concerts in St Mary’s Church, featuring a line-up of acclaimed artists including The Van Morrison Alumni Band, Alice Armstrong, Myles Sanko, Elles Bailey, Earl Thomas and The Gospel Ambassadors, Ray Gelato & The Giants, and Mica Paris.
A Crowdfunder is now taking donations to support additional free live performances outside Rye Town Hall, continuing a much-loved part of the annual event.
Festival director Ian Bowden said, “The current economic climate is incredibly challenging for individuals, businesses and organisations across the arts and cultural sectors. Despite these pressures, we remain passionate about bringing free live music to the town and creating a festival that is accessible to everyone. To deliver the vibrant programme of free music that so many people enjoy, we need the support of those who value what the festival brings to Rye. We are asking residents, visitors, businesses and music lovers to consider making a donation to help us keep free music alive.”
There are significant costs involved in staging the free music programme, including the hire of the Buttermarket from Rye Town Council, road closure licences, fencing, professional sound equipment, insurance, first aid provision and, importantly, ensuring that the talented musicians who perform are paid fairly for their appearances.
The Crowdfunder target has been set at £8,000, with organisers saying if the target is not reached, the amount of free music the festival can provide will inevitably be reduced.
“We are not a large corporate festival,” said Ian Bowden. “We are a small, dedicated team that puts its heart and soul into making the festival happen every year. The ticketed concerts are costly to stage, and any modest surplus generated helps cover artist fees, venue hire, sound, staging, lighting, accommodation and the extensive marketing required to attract visitors to both Rye and the festival itself. I have never known sponsorship and funding to be so difficult to secure.”
He said many annual festivals are no longer taking place. “Thanks to the support of our loyal patrons, local businesses and supporters, we have continued to keep the festival alive. Their belief in the arts and recognition of the economic and cultural benefits the festival brings to Rye, and the wider region has been invaluable.”
To support the Crowdfunder campaign, please follow this link.
For further information about the festival and to book tickets for all events visit https://ryejazz.com/
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .