Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival

The Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival was founded in 2012 by Festival Director Ian Bowden, with a clear vision: to bring outstanding live music to the historic town of Rye, East Sussex, and to create a boutique festival experience built on quality, atmosphere and genuine connection between artist and audience. Now, over a decade on, the festival proudly celebrates 14 years of live music, welcoming thousands of visitors to Rye and presenting hundreds of artists across its stages — all while staying true to that original vision. Set within one of England’s most picturesque and historic towns, Rye provides a truly unique backdrop. With its cobbled streets, medieval buildings and timeless charm, the town becomes part of the experience itself — creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and unforgettable, where music and place come together in perfect harmony. From the very beginning, the festival combined headline concerts, free outdoor performances and music across the town, growing steadily year by year. Early editions helped shape the festival’s character and credibility, with artists such as the late Ginger Baker and renowned bassist Herbie Flowers among the first major names to grace the Rye stage. As the festival has evolved, it has welcomed an exceptional breadth of internationally acclaimed artists and leading UK talent. Performers have included the late Sergio Mendes, Mario Biondi, Nigel Kennedy, Tom Chaplin, Imelda May, Laura Mvula, Ian Shaw, Beverley Knight, Roachford, Ruby Turner, Mud Morganfield, Emeli Sandé, and Curtis Stigers, alongside many more outstanding artists spanning jazz, blues, soul, funk and beyond. At the heart of the festival are its headline concerts in beautiful, characterful venues such as St Mary’s Church, Rye, where acoustics and atmosphere combine to create truly memorable live music experiences. Beyond the main concerts, the festival extends across the town, with a vibrant programme of performances in local venues and on Rye’s streets, bringing music into the heart of the community. As a proudly independent festival, Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival has grown through passion, resilience and the continued support of its audiences, partners and local community. It remains dedicated to its founding vision — delivering world-class music in an intimate setting, while celebrating the history, character and cultural richness of Rye.Intimate. Atmospheric. World-Class Music in the Heart of Rye. BOOK 2026 EVENTS