What’s it all about?
For something different from the multitude of rock festivals this summer check out the Rhythms of the World festival. Taking place over two days in Hitchin, Hertfordshire there will be something for everyone with six stages and over 120 acts from a worldwide range of music performing.

But this is more then a world music festival. Started by the Hitchin Oxfam Campaign group in 1992, it aims to raise funds and highlight campaign issues. So also expect plenty of arts, craft stalls, dance, food and music workshops and the festival will also have a Chill Out area and a Children’s area.

Book now if you love: an eclectic weekend of world-class music.

Don’t miss: Billy Cobham and Massukos.

Want to go? For tickets and more information go to www.rotw.org.uk 
 

Going? Been before? Why not tell us about your experiences by hitting Add A Comment...

Paul O'Brien, MyVillage said on 04th August ... "Despite the rain and mud the comparisons with Glastonbury end with the weather for the Rhythms of the World festival. However with the tickets costing £5 per day there is a cheap and fun weekend to be had.

The sun did emerge on the Sunday to contribute towards a successful weekend for the organisers. This was the first year it was being held in the new venue of Hitchin Priory, having previously been dispersed around different parts of Hitchin town centre, which definitely gave it more of a festival vibe.

Despite the weather issues plenty of people had been drawn by the promise of an eclectic musical extravaganza. There was the full age range in attendance with young families and teenagers making up a large chunk of the crowd especially during the day. The average age did however slowly increase as the day wore on. The make-up of the crowd was certainly a testament to the friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

As with any festival you are faced with the usual expensive drinks and food but it helps that the organisers let you bring a certain amount of drink into the festival with you. And the food, like the music, was from around the world and top notch especially the Ghanaian curries.

With seven stages there was loads going on and it was almost a case of not being able to see everything that you wanted to and in some cases seeing some acts that you would rather forget. Such as the poetry reading on the tiny Arcadelcetic stage and the local community dance troupes. In the early part of both days there seemed to be more local bands doing covers then the world music I was expecting. But that was the good thing about having so much going on as soon because as you were bored with an act it wasn’t long before you found something that did take your fancy, whether it was a Spanish flamenco group or fire jugglers.

Highlights were the band No.1 Station on the main stage who got everyone warmed up on the Saturday night. Who were almost as entertaining as their boasting that they are the best Ska band in North Hertfordshire. This was followed by the brilliant jazz drumming of Billy Cobham. On the Sunday night the sounds of Mozambique were brought to Hitchin via the catchy and uplifting rhythms of Massukos.

The long, cold delay waiting at Hitchin station for a train was not a prefect way to end a great weekend of fun and music but if you find yourself short of funds and looking for something a bit different next year try the Rhythms of the World festival.
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Sarah said on 15th July ... "Flexit Dance Academy was the Best!!!!!"
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