One of the biggest world music festivals on the planet is set to entertain thousands this weekend in Hitchin.

The Rhythms of the World festival, the UK’s largest celebration of world music, dance and art, takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Hitchin Priory with over 150 acts from as far as America, Burundi and Berlin playing to 25,000 people.

Now in its 18th year and its second in the grounds of the Priory, the festival celebrates music from around the globe as well as supporting home-grown talent.

Musical highlights include Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, My Passion, Steven Sogo, 17 Hippies, Sarah Savoy And The Francadians, The Dodge Brothers and Bayou Seco as well as The Sex Pistol’s Glen Matlock and The Strangler’s Hugh Cornwell.

There will also be a wide range of food, craft stalls, dance, picnic area, workshops, poets, sports, family activities, artists, bars and clothes stalls among the many things on offer.

The police have said they will be on patrol over the weekend and asked festival goers not to leave valuables in cars, be mindful of belongings, and to report any suspicious activity to an officer.

Advance tickets are on sale at Hitchin Initiative, Eric T Moore Books, Harvest Moon, Club85, Merryfield’s, The Victoria, David’s Music and Coda Music at �7 for adults and �3 for 6 to 17-year-olds. Tickets are a �1 more on the gate. Under 6’s go free.

The music begins at noon each day, until 11pm on Saturday and 9pm Sunday.