Organisers of the Rhythms of the World (ROTW), which is supported by the Comet, have confirmed headliners Kobo Town – a celebrated Trinidadian-Canadian Calypso band - as the first of many acts to play at the event.

The Comet: ROTWROTW (Image: Archant)

Organisers of the festival, supported by the Comet, are filling this year’s ROTW performance roster with acts that reflect the event’s new slogan, “music from around the world and round the corner”.

Kobo Town, the first band to be announced, are an example of music from the “around the world” category.

Kobo Town is named after the historic waterfront neighbourhood in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, where Calypso music was born.

The band, who will play on Saturday May 2, use the fun sound of Calypso as its foundation, and fuses this traditional form with a diverse mix of other Caribbean musical styles and contemporary influences, including ska, dub poetry and even hip-hop.

Frontman and founder Drew Gonsalves was raised in Trinidad and moved to Canada in his teens. He lives in Toronto and tours the world with his band.

“The six of us come from a diverse range of musical backgrounds and because of that our sound has naturally evolved over the years into something really new,” he said.

Although Kobo Town have played all over England in the past, this will be their first time performing at ROTW.

ROTW festival chairman Amy Hopkins said: “We are focused on bringing together truly amazing international acts and the very best local musicians and bands. Stay tuned – our next announcement is a band from much closer to home. In the weeks to come, as we release details about the whole roster, I know that people are going to be excited. We really are bringing you amazing music from around the world, and right round the corner.”

ROTW Takes place on August 2 and 3 at Hitchin Priory.

Tickets are £15 per day for adults and £5 for youngsters aged 6-17. Children five and under go free.

Tickets are available online now at www.rotw.org.uk