Culture
Wicked weekend at the Wipers
The Ypres Castle Inn, affectionately known as the Wipers, hosts a fantastic collection of bands during this year's International Jazz and Blues Festival. With more than a dozen different acts strutting their stuff on the outdoor stage the bank holiday weekend is bound to be a blast. And it's all free!
Of war and love . . . etc
At a time when the nation has been reflecting on World War 1, this poem caught the eye of a Rye resident. Its title is the name of a local High Street shop
And so au reservoir BBC . . .
For two long months the BBC filmed EF Benson's comic "Mapp and Lucia" novels in Rye, and the Memorial Hospital is expecting a donation from the BBC. One of the many extras comments on the final days - and wonders if the cheque is in the post
Tickets selling out fast
The Rye Arts Festival which comes to town on September 12-28 has opened its "walk-in" box office. Tickets are fast disappearing and, if you're unlucky enough to miss out, remember there's also an impressive package of free events
Summer arts show open
The annual summer exhibition by the Rye Society of Artists is up and running until August 25 with more than 400 works on display and for sale, from thousands of pounds to a few quid. Don't hang about . . .
Party hits the right notes
Soulful sounds and a relaxed atmosphere put locals in the mood for the coming jazz and blues festival at the end of this month
Music maker and shaker
In anticipation of September's arts festival Alexander Stiller staged a question and answer session with Alisdair Kitchen, conductor and director of Euphonia Opera, who presents La Traviata at this year’s festival
How Mapp & Lucia came here
Not everyone who watched the BBC filming Mapp and Lucia in Rye recently will be acquainted with the books by E. F. Benson. Here an expert explains the background and why the author brought his formidable heroines to the town
Singers in concert
Beautiful choral music filled the air in St Mary’s Church as The Ryesingers rendered superb baroque and classical masterpieces
Magpie’s funky new nest
The first of many pop-up galleries - which has added colourful abstract works to a treasure trove of an interiors store in Rye - is currently packing in the visitors. Catch it before it closes on July 28
All for love of a good story
Celebrating the life of EF Benson is a rewarding experience. There are healthy walks about Rye, food, and even more food. Plus a good read. And nibbles