Jools Holland could be on the bill when Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival celebrates its 20th year.

That’s the hope of festival organiser Phillip Martin who believes luring Holland to the town is a real possibility.

Thousands of music fans descended on Nantwich over the Easter weekend for the 17th annual festival, with dozens of venues putting on a range of live performances.

Now Mr Martin has revealed his ambitious plan to grow the festival and attract massive names like Holland.

“For the 20th anniversary I want to have Jools playing free of charge in Nantwich town square,” he told Nantwichnews.

“It would cost a lot of money but I’m going to do it. We will take the festival up to another level with the right support and backing from sponsors.

“It would be a free concert for the supporters of the event and for local people!”

Mr Martin, who runs The Crown Hotel in Nantwich, believes the latest event was another big success in terms of the atmosphere around the town and the variety of music on offer.

And despite the unseasonably cold weather, many venues reported big audiences and takings.

“I think it was one of the best ever festivals,” he said. “There was something for everyone during the event.

“The licencees are happy which is what I set out to do. They had fantastic business and they all geared up for it.

“We don’t know how many tickets and wristbands we sold exactly, a lot of people still feel they can blag their way into venues during the festival.

“And we gave a lot of wristbands away to participating venues to reward their regulars.

“But we’ve had some fantastic comments on our Facebook and Twitter accounts and emails from people who came from as far afield as Kent, Hampshire, Sussex and Essex!”

Big draws during the festival were The Wonder Stuff’s Miles Hunt and his acoustic set, and the first performance by Sad Cafe for over 20 years.

“We also have to thank organisations like the BBC and The Cat radio who got involved and helped to broadcast and cover the festival as it happened,” added Mr Martin.

(pic courtesy of Chris Boland, Flickr)

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