Rhythms of the World returns?

The grounds at Hitchin Priory after the festival in 2012. Pic by Keith Dobney. (Image: Archant)

Last summer’s festival of world music had to be cancelled after owners of former venue, Hitchin Priory, said it could no longer be held in its grounds following a particularly wet and muddy event in 2012.

But now the Comet understands that one of the private landowners involved in discussions for this year’s festival includes the former host, which is under new ownership.

The Comet also understands that organisers were in talks with North Herts District Council about using Walsworth Common as a potential site to host the festival, but this has since been disregarded due to common law land and parking issues.

Organisers of the festival were hoping to make an announcement in January, but the venue and date of the festival is still to be confirmed.

Rhythms of the World chairman of trustees, Amy Hopkins, said: “We were in negotiations with North Herts District Council about land, including Walsworth Common, but there were no sites suitable for the festival’s needs and therefore negotiations are ongoing with private land owners. So watch this space.”

Ms Hopkins confirmed that organisers are gearing up for “activity” and that a fundraising drive was on.

Various events have already been held to raise money for the weekend-long event, traditionally held on the Saturday and Sunday in the second week of July.

A spokesman for North Herts District Council said: “We are currently in discussions with the Rhythms of the World event organisers, although no venue details have been confirmed and no licensing applications have been received by the council.”