The Half Moon in Hitchin was the venue which saw Rhythms of the World (ROTW) go back to its roots. The pub hosted the first of 25 events around the town this summer to celebrate the festival’s 25th year. 2016 heralds a quarter of a century of musical performances from local and international artists in the town. Two days of folk performances from 19 acts formed the soundtrack for the Half Moon Beer festival, which took place at the same time.
Founded in 1992 by the Hitchin Oxfam Campaigns Group, Rhythms of The World was initially established to raise money for the charity while highlighting international issues through World music. In the years since, the festival has evolved to become a celebration of music, dance, art and cuisine from ‘around the World and round the corner’.
Kicking off the two-day event on Saturday 23 May were the folk-acoustic stylings of Shaun Clark. Continuing the first day’s line-up representing the North East was singer-songwriter Donna Mackay, St. Albans based duo Starseedz, ending with an acoustic set by The Mighty Collider.
Sunday’s line-up began with some alternative folk courtesy of The Portraits who added some violins to the proceedings, while Storywheel drew on musical influences from the Middle East, North and West Africa. Honeywitch finished the second day with a Gothic flavour.
The two-day event was a roaring success, raising a significant amount of money that will contribute to securing the long-term future of the charity and giving a platform to talented folk artists and performers.
Upcoming events for Rhythms of the World include Fire Under My Feet on Friday 3 June at the Queen Mother Theatre, an evening of electric songs and dance from local street dance troupes. Full price tickets are £8 with concessions at £4. On Saturday 16 July the Hitchin Round Table Community Ball takes place at the Hitchin Priory Hotel. Tickets for the ball cost £60. Money raised will support ROTW and other local charities and initiatives.
About Rhythms of the World:
Rhythms of the World (ROTW) is a registered charity (no. 1090835) led by volunteers. The charity aims to unite communities through the arts by organising a festival of music, dance, art and cuisine from ‘around the World and round the corner’. ROTW is one of the largest celebrations of world music and arts in the UK.
Find out more at www.rotw.org.uk. You can follow us on Twitter @ROTWfestival or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rotwfestival.
