[H1]EXCLUSIVE: Save the date for an exciting new two-day music festival in Hitchin this summer![H1]

While the former Rhythms of the World festival bit the dust back in 2016, plans have been lodged for a brand new dance music festival to be held at the Priory in Hitchin that will be completely separate and distinct from 'Rhythms'.

According to a public notice detailing a 'grant of a public licence' posted in the town centre, a two day music event is being planned for Hitchin this summer.

Hitchin Nub News spoke with North Herts Council who are responsible for licensing in our area.

They confirmed to Nub News that a 'Premises License for Sale of alcohol and Regulated Entertainment at Hitchin Priory' has been lodged for a two-day music festival on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 July between the hours of 12midday and 10pm.

Hitchin Nub News understands that planning discussions have taken place with relevant authorities and agencies with more to come. It is expected that the proposed festival will bring in work for many associated local trades and businesses hard hit by the pandemic. It will also facilitate extra, much-needed custom to town centre businesses through extra footfall on the weekend of the proposed event.

The details relating to the so-far unnamed event also says there will be a supply of water and toilets to service the customers, and that there will be security enforcing the over 18 aspect of the event.

The notice also details that all bar staff will be trained and a dedicated medical team will be on site throughout our show hours.

The documents also state that stages will be positioned to help reduce noise pollution from the site, and the event site and exit will be well lit.

Furthermore, the premises will be in the open green space to the south of the Priory in Hitchin, and will have a perimeter fence around the site.

[H1]History of popular festivals in Hitchin[H1]

While Rhythms of the World essentially ceased as a large-scale music festival in 2016, it started life in 1992 in Hitchin town centre and was once described as the largest free festival of world music in the country.

At its peak in the early years of the 21st century around 30,000 festival-goers flocked to the town centre. They attended over two days to experience live music from numerous bands across five stages, along with plenty of fringe events.

However, 'Rhythms' - as it is known to those who attended - moved to the grounds of the Hitchin Priory in 2008, after safety concerns and issues with anti-social behaviour during the two day festival.

While the majority of people in Hitchin were proud of the event and engaged with it in some form or other, the final festival at the Priory took place in 2016.

The last event six years ago prompted many special memories of Rhythms weekend. This correspondent certainly recalls interviewing headline act The Specials as well as Paul Young and many other musicians. But with bad weather hitting ticket sales over the festival weekend in 2016, the event did not generate the expected revenue Rhythms organisers had budgeted for, leaving a financial shortfall, along with a number of creditors.

Attempts to resurrect the festival have been patchy even since, with North Herts District Council refusing part of the licence application for the event back in 2018, while the Covid pandemic has put paid to any hopes since 2020.

[H2]So, could Rhythms be returning to the Priory this summer? [H2]

In a word no. Hitchin Nub News understands that the dance music festival planned for the Priory this summer has absolutely nothing to do with the Rhythms organisation.

Read Hitchin Nub News for more information on plans for an exciting new music festival in the heart of our town.

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