It’s just three weeks until the thirteenth annual Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival, with music at venues all across Rye including seven concerts in St Mary’s Church from Thursday, August 21 to Monday, August 25.
Nubiyan Twist, Toby Lee, Courtney Pine, Ian Shaw, Polly Gibbons and James Pearson, Ruby Turner, Davina and the Vagabonds, and the James Taylor Quartet (JTQ) are the headline acts for 2025, however the free stage at Rye Kino is not returning this year.
Festival director Ian Bowden says in spite of the changes there will still be a vibrant long weekend of world-class music and community events in Rye. “Though this year’s programme may be smaller, it still packs a punch, and the spirit of the festival remains as strong as ever and there is still an incredible range of music to enjoy.
“This year has brought significant financial challenges due to the difficult economic climate. Like many independent festivals, we have had to adapt our plans. Sadly, this means our much-loved free music stage at Kino Cinema will not return in 2025 and this is a decision that the festival team have had to take in consultation with our supportive friends at the Kino Cinema.”
He says it costs in the region of thirty thousand pounds to present the Kino stage which pays for musicians’ fees, road closure licenses, staging, marquees, professional staff, medical and insurance cover, fencing, security, and other costs. Depending on funding he hopes to bring back the Kino stage in 2026.
Free music continues in the Buttermarket by the town hall, with three afternoons of street performances from Saturday to Monday. Ian Bowden says music at this venue continues thanks to fundraisers. “This free music has only been made possible by the support of local patrons, sponsors, and a successful crowdfunding campaign and the festival gratefully appreciates all those that have donated.”
A temporary road closure will be in place to ensure audiences can enjoy the music safely.
Festival fringe music events will also take place across Rye between Thursday, August 21 and Monday, August 25 at the following venues: the Grapevine Champagne and Jazz Bar, Layfield’s, the Ship Inn, the Lookout, the Old Bell, and William the Conqueror at Rye Harbour.
There’s also a special afternoon ticketed concert with Earl Okin at The Winery on Sunday August 24 at 4pm. Celebrated for his vocals, musicianship, wit, and iconic “mouth trumpet,” Earl blends jazz, samba, and storytelling.
Volunteers are still needed for this year’s festival, with a special appeal for enthusiastic, community-minded volunteers to help with marshalling at the Buttermarket and assisting with road closures. If you would like to be part of the festival team, please contact Ian Bowden – ian@ryejazz.com.
You can view the full line-up and book tickets now at www.ryejazz.com
Image Credits: Rye Jazz Festival , Kt Bruce , Rye jazz festival .
Am really sorry to hear that the kino stage is not happening this year! However fully appreciate the financial commitment for putting on the whole of the Jazz festival and pleased to hear that the music in the butter market has returned. The Jazz Festival brings so much money into the town and let’s hope that in some form next year the kino stage may return – perhaps an entrance fee could be introduced?