Clint Eastwood’sson at Jazz Fest

Following the success of last year’s event, which saw former Cream drumming legend Ginger Baker performing, the Festival is set to become a regular fixture on the Rye calendar.

Organiser Ian Bowden says he is aiming to make this year’s festival, which runs from August 22 - 26, even bigger and better than last year’s. One planned addition is a colourful New Orleans style Mardi Gras street parade.

Ian said: “The festival programme will include a series of exciting headline concerts, many free performances, including semi acoustic music sessions at the Butter Market, The George in Rye and numerous street and fringe events that will take place at local venues in and around Rye.

“There are also plans to present music performances from a dedicated performance jazz stage on the Strand Quay which will create a wonderful location to present a range of international, regional and local talent throughout the festival weekend.

“The festival will feature not only Jazz, but Blues, Soul, Latin, Cuban, Funk and World music. The festival’s ethos is to offer a broad spectrum of music styles that will appeal to a wide audience and age groups.

“The festival Mardi Gras will fun, exciting and very colourful and will include music, dance, costume and many of the Mardi Gras traditions of New Orleans.”

Ian says more events and line-up details will be announced at the end of May or early June and will be on the festival website www.ryejazz.com.