A new commemorative bench is set to celebrate the lasting legacy of one of Hitchin's most loved community festivals, honouring the volunteers and residents who helped make Rhythms of the World a defining event in the town's cultural calendar.

Former members of the Rhythms of the World (ROTW) Festival committee have commissioned the specially designed bench as a permanent tribute to the music festival that brought global sounds and community spirit to Hitchin for more than two decades.

First launched in 1992 by a local Oxfam Campaigns group, the festival grew from modest beginnings into a vibrant, volunteer-led celebration of world music and culture. By the late 1990s, the event had become a major highlight of the town's summer, filling Hitchin with multiple stages, market stalls, workshops, dance, art and poetry.

As the festival expanded, it moved in 2008 to the grounds of Hitchin Priory, where it continued to showcase music and performers from "around the world and round the corner", drawing large crowds and cementing its place in local history.

Although the festival is no longer held and the organising charity is now being wound up, former committee members were determined to leave a lasting reminder of what the community achieved together.

Their tribute — a bespoke metal bench — will be installed near the original Willow Stage location, a tranquil riverside spot beside the River Hiz and St Mary's Church where local performers once played acoustic sets beneath the willow tree.

The bench has been designed and manufactured by Arcangel Metalworks and incorporates imagery closely associated with the festival, including the iconic willow tree and the familiar dancing man and dancing woman logos created by artist Mark Wearne. The design celebrates not only the festival's visual identity but also the joyful, inclusive atmosphere that defined Rhythms of the World for more than 25 years.

John Brierley, ROTW trustee, said:

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"We could not have achieved this if it wasn't for the support of North Herts Council and St Mary's Church. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their help."

Installation of the bench is scheduled for Friday 6 February, with a formal opening ceremony planned to take place later this year.

For many in Hitchin, the bench will serve as a reminder of summers filled with music, colour and community — and of a festival that once brought the world to the town's streets and stages.