The two week festival opens on Saturday September 12.

A number of events have already sold-out with other tickets selling fast.

Highlights this year include a talk by former Foreign Secretary Lord Owen and a performance by the award winning Greenwich Trio.

Top names from the world of comedy include Barry Cryer, fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, and Wilson Dixon.

Tony Mulholland, from Rye Festival, said: "Comedy always plays a big part in the Festival and this year it comes with added music.

"We kick off with an international flavour as Wilson Dixon, sings Country and Western with a – comic – difference.

"He'll be moseying down to the George in Rye on Thursday 17 at 9.30pm in The George.

"On Saturday 19 a true comedy legend hits town. Barry Cryer has written jokes for all of the greats; Jack Benny, Tommy Cooper and Bob Hope, but in recent years he has returned to doing stand up.

"He is accompanied by Colin Sell (from Radio Four's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue) on the piano. "Catch Barry at Rye College at 8pm.

"Week two of the festival brings more comedy legends to town as three of the members of the trail blazing 1960's Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band play at the Community Centre on Wednesday 23 at 8pm.

"There's no recession in Rye when it comes to comedy!"

Rye Arts Festival opens on Saturday September 12 and runs until September 27 with a full and varied programme of classical music, literary events, contemporary music, children's events and visual arts.
The box office is now open at Phillips and Stubbs, in Cinque Ports Street. Telephone 01797 224442.

Some events have already sold out and many others are selling fast.
For more information visit the festival website at www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk.