Outdoor entertainment lined up for Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival

Jan 25 2012 by Will Harris, Crewe Chronicle

The line-up of headline outdoor acts for the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival has been confirmed.

The ‘Jazz Fest’ once again promises a full Easter weekend of top quality live music, with tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to the town.

On Easter Saturday, the fabulous Greater Manchester Police Big Band will be playing the very best of swing and jazz with the town’s Ceroc dancers taking the floor for an energetic morning of music and dancing.

The free Saturday outdoor gig continues to be a highlight of the festival weekend and draws a large crowd of music fans making for a real carnival atmosphere – and more performers are still to be announced for the outdoor stage.

And on Easter Monday, in collaboration with RedShift Radio, Nantwich Square will be the scene of a free family fun day with family-focused activities including street entertainment, face painting, an Easter Egg hunt and local performers around the square.

On the main stage, fantastic tribute band The Cavern Beatles will be performing along with contemporary vocalist Katy Shotter, who has recently completed a UK, US and Canadian tour with Beyonce.

During Monday, St Mary’s Church will be hosting a concert by Jacquie Dankworth, daughter of British jazz legends Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine, who have been the mainstay of the UK jazz scene since the early sixties.

Jacquie’s gig is a ticketed show, priced £12.50.

Festival organiser Phillip Martin said: “The Monday has always been the quiet day of the festival, so for 2012 we are pleased to introduce something more family-focused in the Square, broaden the festival’s appeal and increase involvement of the local community.

“I have been impressed by the enthusiasm of RedShift and look forward to their presence at the event.

“The pubs will also be increasing the number of wristband admission gigs on Easter Monday so there will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.

“Sponsorship has been very difficult to obtain this year and so I am pleased to be able to make this event happen despite difficult economic conditions.”

Plans will continue to be formulated in the coming weeks.

For regular updates visit the festival website www.nantwichjazz.com