Jazz Festival toraise funds forair ambulance

Big acts from the world of blues, jazz, soul and world music will be appearing at the festival which spans four days and five nights from August 27 – 31.

Wilko Johnson, former guitarist with Dr Feelgood and The Blockheads, who recently won a long battle with cancer, is among the headliners at the festival.

On Sunday (August 30) and Monday (August 31) there will be a bucket collection in aid of the air ambulance which relies almost entirely on donations and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Festival Director Ian Bowden said: “We are extremely proud to be working with the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance as our official charity partners this year and we hugely respect the lifesaving service that it provides across the South East.

“Through our partnership, we want people at the festival to gain a greater understanding of the incredible service that they provide.”

The Air Ambulance costs around £6.5million annually to stay airborne and relies almost entirely upon the generosity of the public to support the two helicopters based at Marden in Kent and Redhill in Surrey.

Other highlights of the Jazz and Blues Festival include The Blues Band, which includes former Manfred Man frontman Paul Jones , who will be performing at the Milligan Theatre.

BBC Radio 2 presenter and former British Jazz Singer of the Year, Clare Teal hosts an evening of world classic Alfresco jazz at Lamb House.

Music fans will be able to watch headline concerts, and enjoy a spectrum jazz lounge, free street events, an outdoor stage, fringe events, cinema screenings and live music at local venues throughout Rye.

Tickets for the shows cost from £8 to £35 and can be booked online at www.ryejazz.com.

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