Rhythms of the World is set to return to its roots this year with an event at Hitchin Town Hall, despite hopes that a full-scale festival could be organised.

The town-hall will hold a free all-day event of festival and world music on Saturday, June 29, with ROTW returning to its original home.

“The first Rhythms of the World took place in Hitchin Town Hall in 1992 and was held there for the first four years before moving out into Market Place in 1996,” said Rhythms trustee Regina van der Leeuw.

“Starting at 12 noon, this free event include drum workshops and music from around the world and the UK. It will finish at 11 pm.

“North Hertfordshire Museum will also be holding its first Museum Late alongside Rhythms of the World.

“It will be offering a chill out zone away from the main stage area.

“Club 85 will also be hosting a Jazz Up night on the Saturday evening.

“We are inviting pubs and other local venues to be involved for the weekend with putting on music from Friday to Sunday.”

There were hopes that a full-scale Rhythms of the World could be put on this year, after North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Richard Lilley confirmed at North Herts District Council overview and scrutiny committee meeting that talks had taken place between organisers and police.

“I met with the Rhythms organisers in September,” he told the meeting.

“We had a very, very productive meeting and they are looking at putting a two-day event together for this coming June.

“It’s likely to occur in Butts Close rather than the town centre for the reasons that were put up as concerns last year.

“They’ve got an awful lot of work to do to satisfy the committee that they can put on an event which is safe for the community to attend, but I am right behind them, right with them.”

Regina confirmed that the event at the town hall will be the only Rhythms event this year, ruling out a festival at Butts Close.

Acts for the event will be released soon.

For more information about the event, visit info@rotw.uk.