Live music from around the corner and around the world in Hitchin’s Market Place – that sounds like Rhythms of the World.

The Comet: Michael King Picture by Steve Beeston PhotographyMichael King Picture by Steve Beeston Photography (Image: Archant)

But now that the annual festival has its home in the grounds of nearby Hitchin Priory, the town centre hasn’t rocked like it used to do in the early Rhythms days.

You can turn back the clock this weekend, though, when musicians are lending their talents to the inaugural Rhythms early bird event.

It all kicks off on Saturday with exclusive limited edition cut-price day tickets going on sale for £12 from 10am to 4pm in the Market Place.

Some of the hundreds of volunteers who make the festival a reality will be on hand all day to hand out information about this year’s big event, which will be staged on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21, including ways in which people can get involved as a sponsor, a trader or a helper.

The Comet: Donna Mackay will perform at the Rhythms of the World early bird weekendDonna Mackay will perform at the Rhythms of the World early bird weekend (Image: Archant)

The event moves into its second day on Sunday from 11am to 3.30pm, with a packed programme of live music as well as more opportunities to find out about the festival and grab early bird tickets.

Among the performers tuning up for this weekend’s event are Raj Swamy, Michael King, Donna Mackay & Hayley Marcus, Scallywaygs, Rootz, and Lawrence Hill.

Festival chair Amy Hopkins said this week: “It’s the first time the organisers have run an early bird event with discounted tickets, but we felt that this year the timing was right.

“There’s a buzz surrounding Hitchin at the moment, especially with the outstanding success of Hitchin’s prodigal son James Bay – it’s an honour to say he played on our stages and we’d love to have him back one day!”

This week’s video release from Brit Award winner James focuses on his home town, in particular its strong musical community and heritage – you can watch it on YouTube.

Find out more about what’s in store at Rhythms this summer online at www.rotw.org.uk.

Click here to watch James Bay’s tribute to his home town