Hitchin’s Rhythms of the World festival was off at the weekend, but its spirit resounded through the town at a series of support events.

There was singing and other family fun in Market Place, as well as music at venues including Club 85, Osinsky’s and pub The Victoria.

Rhythms trustee Andrew Harper told the Comet: “Despite the main event being cancelled, we are immensely proud of all the bands, venues and volunteers who all rallied around to put on a great series of events over the weekend.

“This included a brilliant art event in the Market Place, as well as more than 60 acts playing in eight venues.”

Highlights, he added, included Mark Wearne – designer of the iconic Rhythms logo – placing a piece in a mosaic of it created by Hitchin Art Hub.

Rhythms’ planned full return after two years was cancelled after a town centre event was blocked by councillors, on advice from police and district council environmental health.