Star attractions for Jazz and Blues (From Crewe Guardian)

Star attractions for Jazz and Blues

11:28am Saturday 9th February 2008 in

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THE line-up for this year's Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival promises a string of national headline acts.

Topping the bill for the Easter weekend will be the Big Chris Barber Band, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and rock veterans The Hamsters.

The 12th annual event is proving as popular as ever, with organisers hoping that the new wristband scheme will avoid the trouble of last year's event.

There were a number of arrests for violence last year as thousands of people descended on the historic town, packing out the bars and pubs.

The festival is one of the main tourist attractions in the Cheshire calendar, pulling in up to 40,000 music fans from across the country.

Live acts will perform in 20 venues across the town from Thursday, March 20 to Monday 24.

In addition to the headline acts will be legendary guitarist Etheridge.

And amongst the other acts confirmed for the show are Flight 505, King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys, Vavoom, Connie Lush and Nearly Dan.

The Mez Fest, which made its debut on the opening night of the festival last year, returns again on the Thursday with acts yet to be announced.

There will also be more than 90 other gigs at various venues around town over the weekend.

Organisers hope the paid wristband system this year which will help cover the cost of extra policing at the event and also keep the numbers down slightly.

The wristbands will be available to purchase from March 20 at nominated outlets around Nantwich at a cost of £5 per adult.

Only adults will be required to wear the wristbands and children accompanied by an adult will gain admission to the venues free of charge.

Surplus proceeds from the wristband income will be donated to local charities after the weekend.

Tickets can be bought from the Crown Hotel, High Street, Nantwich (01270 625283); Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street (01270 628633); and Nantwich Tourist Information Centre, Market Street (01270) 610983.

The credit card hotline is 0870 444 5556 and festival web tickets are available direct with secure payment by Paypal, or from www.ticketline.co.uk.