History

The Heart Of The World Festival began in 2006 - a collaboration between promoters and Cambridge venues with Arts Council funding, designed to celebrate world music and culture throughout Cambridge.

In its first year, South Africa, India, West Africa and New Orleans were the focus of the Festival with venues of all kinds opening their doors across the city to host talks, films, art exhibitions, photo exhibitions, kids' events, workshops and some exceptional music. Thousands enjoyed the events which included headline acts like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Malian singer Salif Keita and Kaushiki Chakrabarty from India.

The Festival has gone from strength to strength ever since. Other parts of the work represented include the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Cuba, Japan and Tibet with artists like Hugh Masekela, Taraf De Haidouks, Palestinian singer Reem Kelani and the Tibetan Monks, who also performed a 'mandala' - a historic Buddhist ceremony - in the unique setting of Kings College during their visit to the city which attracted hundreds.

Now in its fifth year, the Heart Of the World Festival is firmly established as one of the key events in Cambridge's summer calendar.