Festival will have the townbuzzing over bank holiday

But organiser Ian Bowden is keen to point out there are still tickets available for many concerts as well as a host of free events to enjoy from today (Friday) to Monday.

Music genres covered by the festival include Jazz, Blues, Soul, Funk, Swing, Latin, Fusion and World Music.

Headline acts this year include virtuoso Jazz guitarist Antonio Forcione, rising singer songwriter Julia Biel both of whom will be performing the festival on Friday 22

Also performing is Jazz pianist Jason Rebello, right hand man to both Sting and Jeff Beck. who performs with his soulful, jazz fusion quartet and guest soul singer Joy Rose on Saturday August 23.

Concerts also take place at the Mermaid Inn, where trumpet player and composer Paul Higgs and Pavan perform on Saturday 23.

Other concerts at the Mermaid include a special musical tribute to the legendary Hoagy Carmichael on Saturday 23. Derek Nashm, saxophonist to Jools Holland, performs at the Mermaid on Monday 25.

Other stand-out concerts take place at The George in Rye and include jazz singers Joe Stilgoe and first lady of British jazz, Claire Martin OBE on Monday 25.

Jazz and Soul singer Ola Onabule will be performing with his five piece band on Sunday 24 at St Mary’s Church.

The Jazz Lounge plays host to late night sessions with hot performances from Gareth Lockrane’s funk outfit Grooveyard, acclaimed Italian saxophonist Renato D’Aiello and cool Latin trio the Violet Jive.

The festival programme also includes many free events; the Butter Market Semi-Acoustic performances, the George Courtyard sessions: street entertainment and a cutting edge modern twist on a New Orleans Marching Band called 2nd Line Fat Tuesday.

The free programme also presents three days of top Blues, Jazz and Soul at the Ypres Castle outdoor performance stage.

Ian Bowden said: “It all adds up to a fun, music filled, atmospheric August Bank Holiday weekend.

“We would like to thank all of our partners, venues and performers for their amazing support this year. This year is very much a year for building upon the positive momentum achieved since our launch in 2012.

“We have a wonderful programme of live music with several events already sold out. We still have tickets available for many events including Ola Onabule, guitar virtuoso Antonio Forcione, award-winning saxophonist Simon Spillett and two of the finest cabaret artists Kitty LaRoar and Earl Okin.

“I urge people to get online and book quickly as tickets are being snapped up.

“We want the entire town of Rye to benefit from the success of the festival.”

To get your tickets go to www.ryejazz.com or call the box office on 01892 661906.