Nantwich is again preparing for a week of creativity and storytelling as the Words and Music Festival returns for its 18th year, writes Emma Randall.
The festival, which starts on Monday (October 13th) and runs until Sunday October 19th, will transform the town into a hub of community spirit.
This year’s line-up brings together a rich mix of talent, with performances spanning folk, country, indie, comedy and spoken word.
Headline acts include The Shires, Gruff Rhys and legendary punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke alongside a host of acclaimed singer-songwriters and entertainers.
The Shires, formed in 2013, have paved the way for the UK country scene.
Their debut album Brave (2015) became the first by a British country act to reach the UK Top 10, while their follow-up My Universe (2016) set records as the fastest-selling UK country album in history.
With a new album released this year, singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes will bring their harmonies and Nashville-inspired sound to Nantwich Civic Hall on Friday October 17th as part of their autumn tour.
Another top act lined up, and one of the UK’s most inventive musicians, is Gruff Rhys.
As well as being best known as frontman of the Super Furry Animals, his prolific solo career spans twenty-six albums that fuse lyrical wit with fearless experimentation.
His 2024 release Sadness Sets Me Free was hailed as one of his finest works and 2025 sees him return with Dim Probs, a Welsh-language record showcasing his ever-evolving creativity.
He will close the festival at the Civic Hall on Sunday October 19th with an intimate set of soundscapes and storytelling.
Perhaps a standout highlight, the“Bard of Salford”, Dr John Cooper Clarke will return to this year’s line-up.
Rising to prominence in the 1970s with his rapid-fire delivery, biting social commentary and dark humour, his poem “I Wanna Be Yours” gained a new audience when Arctic Monkeys adapted it for their 2013 album AM, cementing Clarke’s status as a cultural giant.
Now in his 70s, Clarke remains a captivating live performer, promising to enthral audiences.
He will take to the stage at the Civic Hall on Saturday October 18th, joined by award-winning comedian Rich Hall, whose deadpan humour and satirical musical interludes guarantee a night of laughter wordplay.
The festival also shines a spotlight on acclaimed and new singer-songwriters, with rising star Rianne Downey opening the week at Nantwich Town Football Club on Monday October 13th.
John Bramwell, frontman of I Am Kloot, follows with a spellbinding solo set on Tuesday October 14th.
Americana favourites Danny and the Champions of the World bring their high-energy sound to the same venue on Thursday October 16th.
Alongside headline shows, the festival will feature smaller gigs, spoken word events and community workshops across local venues, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For more information and to get your tickets from the official website, visit wordsandmusicfestival.com
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