The stage is set for this year’s Rhythms of the World festival with organisers and volunteers putting together final preparations.

Six stages will be set up in the grounds of Hitchin Priory on August 2 and 3, with the line-ups for each beginning to take shape,

Chosen artists for each stage have been organised to fit varying musical themes, with festival chairman Amy Hopkins, promising “something for everyone”.

“Each of the six stages at the festival will offer something different and exciting to groove to,” she said.

“We’re so thrilled with the line-up this year – there’s truly something for everyone. You’ll hear music you love, and get to discover new sounds, too.”

The Main Stage – backed by the Comet – is home to the bigger and more established acts, featuring world music stars such as headliners Courtney Pine and South African afro-pop band Freshlyground.

It also includes Megson, CC Smugglers, Son Yambu, and 1960s veteran The Crazy World of Arthur Brown.

The Priory Stage promises the latest electronic music sounds from DJs Blunt Beats and guests, while The Arcadeclectic Stage will sample a taste of the wonderful and the strange with the help of host Chris Ripple.

With an eclectic line-up of poets, musicians and entertainment from left-of-centre, festival-goers can expect to discover something new.

The Ice House Stage, which includes a performance from Stevenage and Britain’s Got Talent star Gabz, will be giving youth a chance to make a significant contribution to the festival. All performances – as well as behind-the-scenes work – will be put together by young people from Hitchin and the surrounding area.

The St Mary’s Stage will feature classical, spiritual and religious music, as well as folk, continuing a tradition of seating festival-goers in pews from Hitchin’s historic church building.

A morning church service will also be held at 10am on the Sunday.

Day tickets for RotW are £15 for adults and £5 for young people aged between six and 17. They are available to buy online now via www.rotw.org.uk and at selected retailers, which include Club 85, The Victoria pub in Hitchin, David’s Bookshop in Letchworth and Coda Music in Stevenage.