ROTW

Rhythms of the World Festival
The current ROTW logo
Genre	World music
Dates	July
Location(s)	Priory Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK
Years active	1992 -Present
Website
www.rotw.org.uk

Rhythms of The World (ROTW) was first organised in 1992. ROTW is a concert which celebrates the culture and art which is expressed through all types of music and art. In the ROTW programme, it notes, "[ROTW aims to] provide an opportunity for people to engage in community activity, to provide a bridge of common interest across ages, race, ability and economic groups, to provide an outlet for the energies of young people, to stimulate the arts, and to promote North Hertfordshire".

In 2010 the festival was on the weekend of 24 and 25 July. Acts performing included Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Glen Matlock, the Swanvesta Social Club and Hugh Cornwell.

Rhythms of the World takes place each July in the market town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The ROTW festival was made up of nearly 190 acts on 11 stages, plus 12 fringe venues (pubs and bars offering live music in partnership with ROTW) in 2006. It now includes various workshops (music, art and otherwise), stalls and myriad other distractions.

It was announced on 2 October 2007 that Rhythms of the World would no longer be held in Hitchin town centre and that the organising committee are looking for a greenfield site on the outskirts of the town for future events.

On 11 February 2008 it was announced that the 2008 festival would take place in the grounds of Hitchin Priory.

Festival organizers estimate the costs at around £200,000 in 2011. This cost is covered by support from North Hertfordshire District Council, other grants, and admission fees. Additionally, the festival uses volunteers extensively to minimise event expenses.

Rhythms of The World was started in 1992 by the Hitchin Oxfam Campaigns Group as a way of raising money for Oxfam and to highlight their international issues through world music. The first four years were staged in Hitchin Town Hall and featured bands such as the Bhundu Boys and King Salsa. In 1996 the event moved outside to the Market Place, but had only one stage and due in part to terrible weather the organisers felt the benefit to Oxfam was not being reflected in the increasing effort required. In 1998 the Campaigns Group ceased the Rhythms of The World project.