Harvest Moon came to Hitchin in 1994, commited to selling Fair Trade items and World Music, we have supported ROTW since! Below you can read the history of ROTW. For several years in its infancy it was organised from the natural therapy centre above Harvest Moon. And in 2008 we entered the next chapter of the ROTW story, an exciting year for ROTW as it was located in the picturesque grounds of The Priory for the first time. In spite of initial concerns for the new venue and the £5 entry fee it was an overwhelming success. You can see pictures and read more about this year’s festival on the BBC 3 counties radio website. Harvest Moon had a stall at ROTW this year.
ROTW FAQS
Why move the festival to the Hitchin priory ?
Simple really. The sheer numbers of people, litter and elements of anti-social behaviour meant the festival was having a sgnificant and detrimental effect on the Town in which we all live. And it was increasingly difficult to attract sponsors and volunteers who were getting fed up with clearing up the mess.
Why charge an entrance fee ?
As with everything else in the world, costs have been increasing each year. ROTW 2008 cost over £150,000 - a huge amount to raise. By moving to a single site and charging a small entrance fee we can cover our costs and raise funding to support art and music projects across North Hertfordshire.
Don't forget ROTW is a charity dedicated to supporting our local community.
Why the no readmission policy ?
No readmission is a condition of the event license. With ROTW totally located within the Hitchin Priory we have a great festival with minimal impact on the town. If readmission were allowed, ROTW would be held responsible for the entire Town Centre despite the fact that there are NO ROTW events being held there.
HISTORY OF ROTW
1992 was the year that Bill Cinton became President of the USA, the Earth Summit was held in Brazil to start addressing climate change and ROTW was started in Hitchin. We think we've (ROTW) made the most progress!
ROTW sprang to life as a fund raising and awareness event organised by the Hitchin Oxfam Campaigns Group - using world music as the focus. The first 4 events were staged in Hitchin Town Hall before in 1996 ROTW moved outside to the Hitchin Market Place. But, with one stage and terrible weather it became hard to see how the benefits to Oxfam reflected the increasing effort needed to put on the event and in 1998 the Campaigns Group called it a day.
In 1999 a new ROTW committee, including some of the original campaigners, was formed. With two stages in the Town, a fringe pub and some sunshine ROTW suddenly felt like a Festival. People took notice, including Local music professionals. With their support ROTW 2000 stepped up a gear. A purpose built stage in the Market Place, 4 more stages and bands such as Dhol Foundation and Kiki Dee ensured a memorable festival. From then on ROTW just grew and grew. 2003 saw 140 acts on 8 stages and Market stalls selling food, clothing, and crafts from around the world. The main stage moved to Portmill Lane, St Mary's Church became a venue and Bancroft Gardens became the Family chillout area. Chldren from the Wiltshire Dacre school painted the Street banners - the beginnings of ROTW arts. 2004 saw two main stages and the BBC, Arts Council and Decibel got involved. The street art took off with the 'Worlds Largest Dreamcatcher' adorning Windmill Hill (the work of 9 local primary schools), street banners and huge peace banners adorned St Mary's Church. ROTW 2005, 2006 and 2007 saw more of the same - with nearly 200 acts, up to 11 stages, loads of fringe venues, music workshops, and a revamped family area in Bancroft Gardens.
Harvest Moon have decided for the first time this year we wont be having a stall at Rhythms. Each year it has become harder to sutain the stall as more and more stalls come to the Festival selling similar things, but without the shop overheads. The shop will be open all day Saturday during the Festival and we will be supporting the Festival with programme advertising, selling tickets, programmes, etc
We will also have a presence in the Healing Area. Come and find us and say hello.