Crowds flocked to the riverside bandstand to enjoy a plethora of delightful world music acts.

International award-winning musicians joined the all-day line-up on Saturday, September 25 including: Transglobal Underground, ambient world music DJ dr trippy, the Omar Puente Sextet from Cuba, and percussionist Jon Sterckx.

The annual festival, part funded by the Arts Council of England, was launched last year post-pandemic lockdown, and took place during the Ross-on-Wye Walking Festival. The free one-day event celebrated world music alongside a wellbeing roster including: circus skills workshops, arts and crafts, percussion, yoga, and nature walks. Charities and community organisations were also getting in on the fun including: the Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust, Ross Horizon Centre, the Civic Society, the Ross Lions, and Taurus Healthcare.

Deputy mayor Cllr Bev Pope, officially opened the event introducing local choir, the Border Belles; the 50 singers performed a set including world music favourite, Africa by Toto.

During the afternoon, Jon Sterckx, a world class percussionist performed a rhythmic tabla drum set during lunch. Street food was provided by The Gourmet Express and MJ’s Smokeshack.

Local favourite Kelsmor Dairy supplied much needed ice cream as the afternoon heated up.

The Wye Valley River Festival joined the event and held an afternoon of arts and crafts, where adults and children could make their own eco-friendly bunting in their tent, surrounded by a display of silk sail flags hand made by youngsters from the Wye Valley and Ross. Teacher, therapist and singer, Jenn Singleton, also held a singing for wellbeing workshop in the festival stretch tent, helping people to connect with music and understand relaxation through breathing techniques.

The evening music line-up was well received and featured a varied mix of world music with crowds dancing the night away.