TICKETS go on sale this week for the 20th Rhythms of the World (ROTW) festival.

The major event is being held on July 9 and 10 at Hitchin Priory.

Stars of local, national and international music will perform over seven stages throughout the weekend.

Headlining on the main stage on the Saturday night will be Indian folk act The Raghu Dixit Project. An appearance on Later…with Jools Holland propelled their music to Number 1 on the iTunes UK World Music Chart and made the song No Man Will Ever Love You, Like I Do the most downloaded song on the BBC’s Asian music charts. Raghu Dixit has just been named as the Songlines magazine 2011 Best World Music Newcomer. Also playing on Saturday will be C W Stoneking. Born in Australia of American parents, C W Stoneking’s music is rooted in 1920s and 30s New Orleans jazz. C W will be warming up for ROTW by playing the Glastonbury festival the weekend before. Sunday brings performances by new wave folk soloist Jim Moray, veteran of World music Congalese Kanda Bongo Man, who will be helping the crowds at the main stage dance through to the evening, while at the BBC Introducing stage, Welwyn Garden City alternative rockers The Subways will close what should be a memorable weekend.

The event sees the introduction of the new Icehouse stage, which will include a master class on Bollywood dance, comedy/magic by Dan Rogerson and chorale performances, there is even more reason to go along. Buying tickets in advance also saves money and helps to avoid the queues on the day. Tickets are priced at �7 for adults and �3 for youths (6-17 years) and go on sale this week in these outlets:

Hitchin:

l Club 85, 74 Whinbush Road, Eric Moore Books, 24 Bridge Street, Harvest Moon, 36 Bucklersbury, Hitchin Initiative, 27 Churchyard, Merryfield’s Newsagent, 17 Sun Street, The Victoria Pub, 1 Ickleford Road.

Stevenage:

l Coda Music, 51a High Street.

Letchworth GC:

l David’s Music, 12 Eastcheap.

Tickets on the day will cost �10 for adults and �5 for youths with 5s and under going in free.