first acts for Rhythms of the World Festival

Junior Murvin, JuJu, Jassi Sidhu, The Damned, and more

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Rhythms of the World Festival 2012

Saturday 14th to Sunday 15th July 2012
Hitchin Priory, Hertfordshire, England MAP
£10 a day adults, children (6-17 yrs) £5, under 5s free

Daily capacity: 28,000

Reggae legend Junior Murvin, and Juju will headline the 21st Rhythms of the World festival, held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th July in a parkland area in the centre of Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

World music producer and guitarist Justin Adams bring Juju to RotW as Saturday's headline performers. Sunday's festival finale sees Junior Marvin take to the stage. Also confirmed for the main stage on Saturday are Jassi Sidhu, The Boxettes, whilst on Sunday the stage will host Speech Debelle, and Molotov Jukebox.

The first act for The Nettlebed Stage is punk legends The Damned, with Tom Hingley of 90's Manchester band Inspiral Carpets also confirmed.

BBC Introducing Stage line-up includes Young Knives, and local bands My Passion, and The October Game.

Whilst Blair Dunlop is the first act confirmed for the St Mary's Stage appearing on Sunday.

Steve Smither, Rhythms of the World Performance Director, said, "We are absolutely ecstatic to be able to name such high profile acts amongst our line up for the festival weekend. There is definitely something for everyone amongst the many performers taking to the stage over the weekend. What we’ve concocted is a selection of artists who can really engage the audience and if you perhaps don't know them at the start, you’ll want to know more by the end!"

The festival will host performances of music, dance (and a few surprises) across seven stages, as well as a Family Area, art displays and the new acoustic Icehouse Stage. The event for all ages and musical tastes, offers rock, pop, folk, reggae, jazz and classical music from the local area and around the world.

Music will be playing on all the stages from 12noon till 11pm on Saturday, and 12noon till 9pm on Sunday.

As 2012 is the 11th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteer, organisers also hope to recruit even more volunteers to help before and during the festival. This year these will include an increase in the number of toilets, improved trackway for disabled access and improved security.

Organisers are also planning to make future festivals 'greener' by increasing and improving recycling facilities.

Ticket prices have not yet been announced and tickets are not yet on sale.

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