Hot on the heels of the announcement of the first of the big names to confirm their spot on the bill at this summer’s Rhythms of the World festival, it’s on with the music in Hitchin this weekend.

The June festival will feature former Specials main man Neville Staple and 1980s chart-topper Paul Young among others – but the two-day festival at Hitchin Priory will feature stacks of local acts, too.

And you can get a flavour of what’s in store at Brickfest, a two-day Rhythms of the World fundraiser featuring live music, competitions and a barbecue.

It’s all based at The Bricklayers Arms in Queen Street on Saturday and Sunday, and punters enjoying the classic combination of food, drink and good music will also have the chance to win prizes from local businesses such as Copper Beech Art Gallery and Nu Hair and Beauty – as well as a pair of prized tickets to the June festival itself.

It will also be the last chance to get early bird tickets for Rhythms before full priced tickets go on sale on Monday.

Performers at Brickfest include festival favourites The Scallywags, Alex Bay, Black River Blues and Pete Woodroffe.

Find out more at www.rotw.org.uk, on Twitter @ROTWfestival or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rotwfestival.

Disadvantaged children in Herts and Beds will be getting a boost thanks to a charity partnership forged between the festival and Luton-based children’s charity Happy Days.

Free tickets to this summer’s event will be made available to youngsters who might not otherwise be able to enjoy the two day feast of music from around the corner and around the world, and much more.

The festival has been awarded a string of charitable grants to help fund its work, with support coming from The Big Lottery, Hitchin Youth Trust, North Herts District Council and county councillors who represent the town, The Neighbourly Charitable Trust and Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

This year’s sponsors include local organisations EMH Technology, Lucas Software, Ashleys, Film Infinity and Satchells estate agents.

Cath Cole from the festival team said: “We are really grateful to all our wonderful sponsors and partners who help support the festival, ensure that we can keep ticket prices for Rhythms low, and make the festival affordable and open for all.”