The Nitin Sawhney extravaganza is just one of a hundred events making this year's Dún Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures (August 27th to 29th) one of the must-see events of the summer.

Kudos galore is due to Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council for supporting and nurturing the event - a salutary example to other local authorities around the country about how to assist and promote arts and culture.

For the world music fan, it may be advisable to move to the town for the weekend. A-list acts on the bill include Dakar hip-hop pioneers Positive Black Soul, the future-Latin stylings of Da Lata, stunning Palestinian folk singer Amal Murkus (right) and the punky, energetic rock 'n' rumba of Amparanoia (below).

Those with a taste for authentic west African fare should investigate the astonishing griots, Badenya les Frères Coulibaly or prince of the lute-like kora, Toumani Diabete, while Argentinian tango gets its place on the bill with El Tropezon's Pablo Woizinski and Cesar Nigro and the Nuevo Tango Quartet.

These acts and concerts are a mere sample of what's on offer over the weekend. Besides dozens of Irish acts (including renowned flautist Emer Mayock, local cowpunks Bray Vista and the somewhat ubiquitous Rodrigo y Gabriela), DJs and producers, the festival also features a programme of world cinema, dance classes, children's workshops and even a panel discussion on music censorship. Some of the shows require tickets but the majority of events are free. Check www.festivalofworldcultures.com for additional information.