Andy hemsleyJazz Festival launch

Two of the festival stars Theo Jackson and Ian Shaw gave mesmerising piano and vocal sets .

Organiser Ian Bowden thanked local and regional businesses that have supported the second year festival including Clive Emson Auctioneers and Wilmoths.

He said: “The festival has clear vision to grow organically over the next five years.

“The festival is very much about promoting a new and vibrant event for Rye and the immediate area that will make a positive economic impact for the town.

“We want to attract new visitors to Rye not just from a local perspective but also from further afield.

“In future years, the festival is committed to attracting audiences from northern Europe which makes perfect sense as Ashford International and Eurotunnel are both just one hours journey to Rye.

Festival sponsors, Appledore wine producers Gusbourne Estate and the Old Dairy Brewery supplied refreshments. The brewery has produced a unique beer for the festival called Be-Bop Top.

The festival features an array of headline concerts with the Kyle Eastwood Band topping the bill at the Rye College on Saturday August 24. Also performing is the soulful Melissa James, enigmatic sex Earl Okin, Herbie Flowers and his Jazz breakfast, Paul Gunn and Worsted and the African rhythms of Kasai Masai.

Free open air music performances will take place at the Ypres, Castle Inn from 3pm – 9pm across the weekend featuring a top draw line –up of wonderful music ranging from jazz, blues, soul funk and swing.

If the festival launch is anything was anything to go by then festival goers are in for a fantastic weekend of stunning live music.

For the latest news, to book tickets online go to: www.ryejazz.com or call: 01892 661906.