Welcome to the 39th annual
Rye Arts Festival
11th to 26th September 2010
An exciting menu of cultural events guaranteed to suit all tastes
Rye offers the biggest and best ‘small’ Arts Festival in the country, and this year’s event promises to be as exciting as ever. Packed into two weeks from 11th to 26th September, the Rye Arts Festival offers something for everyone, from classical music to films, folk and World music to art exhibitions, and dancing to literary talks and much more besides.
Literary Events
There is an exciting list of speakers to entertain and inform. Frances Spalding, an expert on artist John Piper, who lived in Rye, gives a talk on the man and his lesser known sister, backed by a one-off exhibition of his work which is privately-owned. Timothy Knatchbull, who as a 14-year-old boy survived the IRA bomb that killed his grandfather Lord Mountbatten and his own twin brother, recalls the event and how through heart-warming reconciliation, he has rebuilt his life. TV historian Dan Cruickshank and Ryer David Martin talk about architecture, while the UK’s former senior Judge Tom Bingham gives his take on the rule of law.
Record-breaking round-the-World yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur is sure to inspire young and old alike, and ex-editor of The Daily Telegraph Max Hastings (who, as a reporter, managed to be in the pub in Port Stanley, drink in hand, when British troops arrived to liberate the Falklands capital) has a tale or two to tell. Robert Sackville-West talks about Knole House, which has been his family seat for hundreds of years.
Music Events
String and wind quartets, virtuoso organists, violinists and pianists, and many other artistes with an international reputation, provide a varied and exciting programme of classical music, including Chopin, Schumann, Mozart, Bach, Poulenc and even Renaissance songs (backed by the world’s foremost dancer of the baroque dancing). Meanwhile the Festival serves up award-winning folk music in the shape of Show of Hands and Sam Carter, earthy blues and R&B from the legendary Otis Grand Blues Band, good-time jazz with The Big Chris Barber Band and a hot night of not-to-be-missed Congolese soukous music from Kanda Bongo Man, whom John Peel described as his “favourite Glastonbury Act”, will make it hard not to get on the floor dance.
Special Events
Old favourites, such as the Winchelsea Cellar Tours and a tour of the Romney Marsh churches, are back in the programme and will, once again, sell out quickly due to popular demand, so early booking is recommended.
The list of speakers, including a number of authors, goes on, but a highlight must be John Howlett, an active Rye local, who will introduce the 1960’s classic movie IF…. which he co-wrote, and then take audience questions after the screening of the film.
Festival Plus Events
In addition to bookable events there is an exciting programme of contemporary music, dance, art exhibitions and the popular Rye Art Trail. These events plus all bookable events are listed in the downloadable summary (Word format or PDF format).
Booking your tickets
A summary of events and booking form can be downloaded here. (Word format or PDF format). Alternatively you can book by phone or use our online booking form and send to us with your payment. See bookings for further details. If you prefer, we can send you a brochure and booking form in the post - see Contact us for details. We regret that we are unable to accept online payments.
Join the Friends of Rye Festival
Becoming a Friend of the Rye Arts Festival. If you would like to make an important and much appreciated contribution towards the success of the Festival join us as a Friend and benefit from priority booking, discounts and much more . . . to become a Friend download an Application Form and return it to us.
See also www.ryeeye.co.uk to find out more about creative and cultural Rye.
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