Arts across the spectrum from folk music to opera and film in memories of two music greats will be squeezed into a packed programme for this year’s Rye Arts Festival.

Running until Saturday, October 1, the 45th annual festival has more than 60 events.

On Saturday, September 24, Rye will get its first experience of Saharan music as the Milligan Theatre at Rye College will rock to Terakaft.

Classical music comes in the form of London’s Euphonia Opera Company, while theatre Henry James’s ghost story The Turn of the Screw will also be performed.

Actor Martin Wimbush, who lives in Rye, offers A Meeting of Minds on Sunday, September 25, when he performs poems by John Betjeman and Philip Larkin and essays by Alan Bennett.

Film is also included with Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence starring David Bowie on Sunday, September 25, and Princes’ Purple Rain.

Loyd Grossman will be talking about his book about Benjamin West on Monday, September 26 while there will be a performance of Don Pasquale, starring Dingle Yandell in the title role and Lauren Libaw as Norina on Saturday, October 1.

Also on Saturday, October 1, visitors can join a tour of Winchelsea's original 13th century barrel-vaulted cellars, which are normally closed to the public.

For details of all events, and to book, visit ryeartsfestival.co.uk