Londoner Lawrence Francis was a new boy in town when he moved to Hitchin little more than a year ago – but it didn’t take him long to put down some Rhythms roots.

And his experience meeting new people and making friends has prompted him to back a new year push to recruit fresh blood to help stage the town’s Rhythms of the World festival.

He’d heard about the event from a friend who grew up in the area, and it was a factor in his move from the capital.

He said: “When we decided to move from London, Rhythms was one of the many things that drew us to Hitchin.

“I was really happy it was so easy to get involved.

“I had never been to the festival before last year – when I first walked through the gates to help with the set up, even though I had been working on the comms side for the previous six months I was still amazed by the size, friendly atmosphere, production values, and above all the brilliant quality of the acts.”

The community festival has switched to a midsummer date for 2015, rather than its customary late July/early August weekend.

And that means the team has less time to fine-tune the details, organise the running order and spread the word about the huge range of music, art, and community events on offer at Hitchin Priory in June.

Lawrence, 34, who still works in London for an entertainment PR agency, is one of the team of communications professionals who use their skills in their spare time to make Rhythms happen.

He said: “There are times when we get really busy and everyone pulls together as a team to make sure we keep connected.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers – we’ll find a use for the skills people have, as long as they’re prepared to give us a little of their time.

“It’s a lot of fun and really rewarding when you see people enjoying the festival in the summer and know we’ve all helped make it happen.

“I was new to Hitchin in 2013 and the festival has been a great way for me to meet people and make friends, as well as giving something back to the community.”

There are a number Rhythms roles to be filled throughout the year, as well as those on the weekend itself, when it’s all hands to the pump.

To find out more go to www.rotw.org.uk/contact.