About the Festival
The Words And Music Festival, Nantwich, was born in 2008, the brainchild of Cheshire born musician/record producer Nigel Stonier, strings player and conductor of Cheshire Sinfonia Clare "Fluff" Smith, and internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Thea Gilmore.
The trio expressed their intention to develop a festival which brought into the town of Nantwich music, poetry, literature and theatre of a type and standing not normally accessible locally.
It was also their mission to stage gigs, readings and performances in venues as close to the core of the town and the community as possible, hence acoustic sessions in coffee shops, live theatre on the town square and poetry readings in the town's museum etc.
The festival has a policy of promoting original material, and celebrating quality and individuality. So far famous names whom Words And Music has brought to the town include Mark Radcliffe with his band The Big Figures, Lightning Seeds' Ian Broudie, legendary DJ "Whispering' Bob Harris, Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots), award winning folk musician Eliza Carthy and The Waterson Carthy family, Martin Simpson, BBC Radio 4 resident poet Simon Armitage, roots rock icon Rod Clements and TS Eliot award winning poet Don Paterson, to name but a few.
In addition, many new names, including some locally based talent, have been given a stage during the four day event. Visiting theatre companies have developed specially commissioned shows using input from local students, and story writing competitions have been launched.
The festival is staffed and supported by a team of locally based volunteers and attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the UK. Words And Music Festival Nantwich, as it enters its fourth year, remains a completely independent event organised for the people of Nantwich although the committee gratefully acknowledges the generous contribution of £500 from Nantwich Town Council and the support of all its sponsors.
Nigel, Fluff, Thea and team are always interested in your opinions and possible new ideas. Please don't hesitate to contact us at info@wordsandmusicfestival.com 
