RYE ARTS FESTIVAL

Various venues, Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 28 THE 43rd celebration of music, theatre and the written word returns to Rye tonight with a free Americana show by The Hallelujah Trails at Rye Community Centre.

Highlights are a special exhibition exploring Rye's French connections at the museum in East Street, talks from writers Robyn Young and Jane Gardam, guest appearances from Gyles Brandreth, Peter Snow, Henry Blofeld, Vicky Pryce, and a series of concerts.

Visit www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk or call 01797 224442.

HURST FESTIVAL

Various venues, Saturday, September 13, to Saturday, September 27 A PEAL of bells at Holy Trinity Church will launch the tenth Hurst Festival, which features more than 70 events including iPad painting, a drive-in cinema and jazz performance by Claire Martin.

Special guests include BBC Match Of The Day commentator Jonathan Pearce, Hollywood screenwriter William Nicholson in conversation with his novelist wife Virginia, and comedian Joe Lycett, plus an exhibition by illustrator John Vernon Lord.

Visit www.hurstfestival.org.uk.

LATE SUMMER BACKYARD FESTIVAL

Wagner Hall, Brighton, Saturday, September 13.

Following a June celebration marking the longest day Traumfrau Brighton and Pink Fringe have joined forces to say goodbye to the long nights with a packed performance programme.

On the bill are Bryony Kimmings, The Royal Society For The Pursuit Of Love Birds, Project O and Hanna Murphy, as well as an outdoor party garden hosting a feral disco and "fumble sale" with Ciara Green.

Starts 7.30pm to 3am, £7/£9, visit www.wegottickets.com/event/283857.

GOODWOOD REVIVAL

Goodwood, near Chichester, Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14.

Lord March is bringing a full-scale Stonehenge installation to the 2.4-mile Goodwood Motor Circuit as one of the attractions over the revival weekend.

Gates open from 7.30pm, SOLD OUT. Visit grrc.goodwood.com/section/goodwood-revival/ for returns.

ARGUS APPEAL COMEDY NIGHT

Horatio's, Palace Pier, Brighton, Friday, September 12.

Comics are coming together for The Argus Appeal on Brighton's Palace Pier.

Aidan Goatley will be introducing a line-up including David Jordan, Gary Tro, Chris Stewart, Jane Postlethwaite and Russ Peers with music from Daryn Buckley.

Starts 7.30pm, tickets £15. Call 01273 544465.

THIS EARTH AND DEAR SERGE

De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill, Friday, September 12, to Sunday, September 14.

Bexhill's modernist landmark is hosting two art events this weekend.

This Earth, which finishes tomorrow, is an exhibition in the De La Warr Pavilion Studio by Dr Alan Whitehead with 70 photos and two paintings focusing on environment facing challenges from human activity and climate change.

Free arts showcase Dear Serge returns on Sunday with a focus on sound and performance featuring Australian guitarist and drummer Oren Ambarchi and Johan Berhtling, musical trio lll?, sound artists Rie Nakajima, Shelley Parker and Part Wild Horses Mane On Both Sides.

Fri/Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun noon to 6pm, free. Call 01424 229111