Jazz Festival was a great success

Many congratulations to all those who took part in the Rye Jazz Festival. From gutsy blues bands, to sophisticated jazz piano trios and quartets with superb vocals, to the fun of a street band and the cerebral “wall of sound” from Nuggett, the standard of musicianship provided an excellent experience for this visitor who spent the Bank Holiday weekend in the town.

A large bouquet as well to the organising team who arranged the different venues and the extensive publicity which ensured that all the events I attended were well supported. I checked out the informative and easy to navigate website in the spring and planned which shows I would purchase tickets for and when I would just wander the streets to see what was happening.

Judging by the large numbers enjoying the sunshine and performances in the garden of the Ypres Castle Inn (their staff deserve a bonus) and the packed restaurants the festival must have brought considerable economic benefit to the town.

I expect Ian Barden is already thinking about 2015 but hope he takes time to relax and reflect on this year’s triumph.

Lisbeth Rake

Stockbridge, Hampshire