MUSIC fans have been thanked for playing their part in the success of what is being hailed as one of the best jazz festivals Nantwich has seen.

An estimated 40,000 people from far and wide flocked to the town over the Easter weekend to enjoy five days of top quality shows, with the added bonus of glorious weather.

Northwich Guardian: Best jazz festival ever in Nantwich

The Nantwich Jazz Blues and Music Festival is in its 18th year, and this year’s event featured about 130 shows at 15 venues across the town.

Northwich Guardian: Image from PictureGalleryModule_ID:3132242

“It was probably one of the best festivals we have had, and the weather was brilliant,” said festival organiser Phillip Martin.

“The atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone had a great time."

Northwich Guardian: Best jazz festival ever in Nantwich

Phillip added: “Nantwich is a beautiful town, and the festival offers good value for money and is family orientated during the daytime.

“The town was buzzing on the Friday with people here for the festival, which provides a big boost to everyone’s income.

“The licensees really got behind it, and I was delighted with the quality of the shows, which all did very well.

“Our ambition is to keep bringing new music of all genres to the town, and I would like to thank everyone, local people and those from further afield, for supporting us so well.

“We are already working on next year’s festival.”

Northwich Guardian: Police hail behaviour of those attending Nantwich Jazz Festival

The town attracts jazz fans from near and far, from Cheshire, the north west, Staffordshire and Shropshire to Scotland, Oxford and Kent.

Northwich Guardian: Image from PictureGalleryModule_ID:3132242

Saturday featured a free afternoon rhythm and blues concert on Nantwich Square, and one of the highlights of the festival for Mr Martin was Swinging at The Cotton Club, which recreated the music, dance and songs of the famous New York nightclub.

_______________________________________________________________

TALENTED young guitarist Callum Wright had the crowd on their feet on Friday night with his performance of a top track by Avicci.

The 15-year-old Brine Leas School student won the chance to appear at the Nantwich Jazz Blues and Music Festival after entering a competition run by the Guardian.

Northwich Guardian: Image from PictureGalleryModule_ID:3132242

Callum, from Nantwich, opened the show at a marquee at The White Horse pub in the town centre, and performed 14 numbers for the audience, which included his parents Helen and Paul and 10-year-old sister Melissa.

“Callum had a fantastic reaction from the crowd, and got everyone dancing with Wake Me Up by Avicci,” said Helen.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were cheering – we were really proud of him.”

Northwich Guardian: Callum Wright

Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran, Times Like These by The Foo Fighters and Half The World Away by Oasis were among the numbers performed during his 45-minute slot by Callum, a regular at open acoustic nights locally and across the north west.

“Callum mainly performs covers, and is in the process of writing his own material,” added Helen.

Callum is due to perform this Saturday at The Hawk Inn at Haslington.

Northwich Guardian: Image from PictureGalleryModule_ID:3132242

Northwich Guardian: Best jazz festival ever in Nantwich