RYE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

The 2025 Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival will once again fill our historic town with music, energy, and community spirit this summer. We passionately believe that live music should be accessible to everyone and that’s why we’ve always worked hard to offer free performances throughout the festival.

However, due to current financial pressures and ongoing challenges, we regret to announce that we are unable to present the free outdoor Kino music stage this year. We acknowledge our longstanding partnership with the team at Kino Cinema. For clarity, this decision has been made by the festival organisers in consultation with our friends at the Kino Cinema. 

These are difficult times for everyone, but we’re hopeful that the Kino Stage may be able to return in 2026 which again will be subject to funding. 

In the meantime, we’re pleased to bring a programme of free live music at the Butter Market  between Saturday 23 to Monday 25 August.

These performances rely heavily on additional funding — and that’s where you can help. 

You Can Still Support Our Crowdfunder Now 

Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s £5 or £500 , your support helps us bring more incredible live music to more people for free.

Let’s keep the music playing and please donate now and be part of something special. 

In addition to our main programme, a vibrant mix of free and ticketed live music events will take place at various fringe venues throughout Rye from Thursday 21st to Monday 25th August .

Enjoy performances in some of the town’s most atmospheric settings, including:

The Winey, Rye , The Grapevine Champagne & Jazz Bar, Rye , Layfields, Rye , The Ship Inn, Rye, The Lookout, Rye , The Old Bell, Rye , The William The Conqueror, Rye Harbour.

Explore, experience, and soak up the sounds of summer in Rye — wherever you are in town, the music won't be far behind.