Venues

St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church plays host to the festival's intimate and incredibly special headline concerts.

The church has the most wonderful acoustics and is a unique setting which provides a truly exceptional atmosphere and an unforgettable experience. 

Concerts taking place at St Mary's Church include Curtis Stigers, Stanley Jordan, Roachford, Mud Morganfield, Imelda May, Roberto Fonseca, and Emeli Sande. 

Outdoor Stage Kino Rye

Gates open each day from 12.00pm with performances from 1.00pm to 9.00pm on Saturday 27, Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August. 

A fully licensed bar and food is available at the outdoor stage and please note that no alcohol or food will be permitted to be taken in the site. 

As a non for profit organisation the festival will be asking those that attend our free music events to kindly make a donation to the festival which assists in the considerable costs in providing the wonderful free music to all. 

You can expect to experience the very best in local and regional music talent performing Jazz, Blues, Roots, Funk, Latin and much more. 

The Brewery Yard Club

The Brewery Yard Club is Rye's best-kept secret!

When they are not hosting amazing events or private functions, the clubs cosy bar is open to the public Thu-Sat, and is the perfect place in town to meet friends for cocktails and sharing platter. 

Four superb live music performances are taking place at the club during the festival between Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 August. Be sure to book early as there is limited availability! 

GRAPEVINE CHAMPAGNE & JAZZ BAR

The Grapevine Champagne & Jazz Bar is an intimate live music venue tucked under the bustling Rye High Street. 

Why not get a group of friends together or treat someone special to a wonderful evening out during the festival. 

We welcome you to join us to enjoy the many superb free live music performances at the bar from Thursday 25 to Monday 29 August. 

The Ship Inn

A quintessentially English country Inn bursting with character, providing  hearty breakfasts and splendid Sunday roasts to seafood platters and a wonderful selection of wines.

The Ship is an idyllic spot for a family lunch or a catch up with friends during the jazz festival. 

The Ship Inn is proudly hosting a special ticketed wine, dinner and jazz event on Thursday 25 August and three superb free live music events during the festival on Friday 26, Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August where you can expect to hear cool Jazz and authentic Blues. 

The Old Bell

Come and soak up the atmosphere and charm, relaxing on the sun terrace where you can watch the world go by.

The Old Bell offers a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike.

A family-friendly pub serving freshly home-made food daily, as well as a selection of quality wines, premium gins, world beers and cask ales.

Join us on Monday 29 August at The Old Bell as we proudly present the amazing Blues guitarist and singer Joe Corbin on our outdoor terrace from 12.30pm. 

William The Conqueror

Famed as the scene of the Norman invasion, Rye Harbour is a pretty, historic spot on the East Sussex coast - and when you’re in town, the William the Conqueror is the perfect place to set up camp.

Recently refurbished, it’s a smart, friendly, traditional pub, boasting real ales, hearty pub food and a warm welcome for all. 

Join us on Thursday 25 August from 4.00pm to experience the best 'Acoustic Afternoon Set' of Blues and Roots with Big Pablo & The Mariners. 

The Buttermarket

The Buttermarket is the open area at the front of Rye Town Hall, not routinely open to the public, this unique outdoor location hosts many of our free festival performances.

Free live music performances will be taking place at The Buttermarket during the festival from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August. 

We are also presenting street music which creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere. 

The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid welcomes travellers, to enjoy the unique experience of staying in a 600 Year Old Inn, dining in a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant and relaxing in the Giants Fireplace Bar, The Tudor Bar, or spending time on the walled patio.

We welcome you to join us at the historic Mermaid Inn, Rye on bank holiday Monday 29 August to experience a fabulous afternoon of cool summer jazz with ‘The Jazznights Ensemble’.

You can book online through the festival website or book tickets directly with the hotel by calling 01797 223065.

De La Warr Pavilion

The spectacular modernist 1935 Grade 1 listed Pavilion sits just above the promenade on the seafront in Bexhill.

The Pavilion is free to enter, open every day and welcomes everyone. 

The festival has presented many outstanding concerts at this amazing venue and most recently presented 
Macy Gray in concert on Friday 3 June 2022.