Nantwich Jazz – Nantwich, England 2026

Overview

The Nantwich Jazz Festival, officially known as the Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival, is a beloved annual Easter celebration that has been igniting the historic market town of Nantwich for nearly three decades, reaching its 30th anniversary in 2026. This vibrant five-day event transforms pubs, halls, and streets into a symphony of jazz, blues, soul, and contemporary sounds, featuring headline acts at the Civic Hall alongside a sprawling “Around the Town” fringe of intimate gigs and workshops that draw thousands for an immersive musical escape. Organized as a not-for-profit endeavor with strong community backing, it supports local causes like the Christie Hospital while delivering high-energy performances that blend timeless standards with fresh fusions, all in the charming Cheshire setting of timber-framed buildings and riverside walks.

As a cornerstone of Nantwich’s cultural calendar, the festival fosters inclusivity with free-entry fringe events, family workshops, and late-night jam sessions, making it accessible for jazz purists, casual listeners, and emerging musicians alike. In 2026, expect an expanded lineup celebrating the milestone with nostalgic nods to past editions, ensuring a weekend of toe-tapping rhythms, soulful solos, and the unmistakable buzz of live music echoing through the town’s cobbled lanes.

Event Highlights

• Headline concerts at Nantwich Civic Hall showcasing established acts in jazz, blues, and soul, with past draws like Lucy Spraggan and Geno Washington delivering high-octane sets.
• “Around the Town” fringe featuring over 100 performances across 20+ pubs and venues, from acoustic blues sessions to lively brass bands in cozy spots like The Leopard.
• Interactive workshops and masterclasses on improvisation, vocal jazz, and instrument clinics, open to all levels for hands-on learning with pro musicians.
• Family-friendly daytime events including kids’ rhythm workshops, storytelling with live jazz scores, and free outdoor stages in the town square.
• Late-night jam sessions and after-parties in select pubs, encouraging audience participation and spontaneous collaborations under the festival’s collaborative spirit.
• Unique anniversary features for 2026, such as retrospective showcases of 30 years of Nantwich jazz history, blending archival clips with live tributes.

Why Attend

Attending the Nantwich Jazz Festival means surrendering to five days of unbridled musical magic in a picturesque town where every corner pulses with melody, from riverside riffs to pub-hopping harmonies that create instant connections among strangers. It’s a feast for the senses—think sipping a pint while swaying to a sax solo or discovering a hidden blues trio in a 17th-century inn—offering an affordable, authentic escape that rejuvenates the spirit and celebrates jazz’s joyful chaos. The festival’s community focus ensures you’re not just a spectator but part of a living tradition, with economic boosts and charity ties adding deeper meaning to the revelry.

What elevates Nantwich is its intimate scale amid expansive talent, dodging the crowds of bigger fests for genuine encounters with artists and locals, all wrapped in Cheshire’s warm hospitality. Perfect for couples seeking romantic gigs, families chasing interactive fun, or solo explorers craving inspiration, the 30th edition promises milestone surprises that honor the past while pushing boundaries. For lineup teasers and updates, visit the official site at https://nantwichjazz.com.

Date & Duration

Dates: April 2 – April 6, 2026 (Easter weekend, TBC), Duration: 5 days

Venue / Location

The festival buzzes across Nantwich’s compact town center, with headline shows at Nantwich Civic Hall as the main stage, fringe events spilling into 20+ pubs like The Leopard and The Black Lion, and outdoor performances in the High Street square and Bowers Row Car Park. This multi-venue setup encourages wandering discovery amid historic architecture. Main event Google location address: High Street, Nantwich, United Kingdom.

Ticket Information

• Tickets sold online via the official website or ticket partners like SK Tickets; wristbands for “Around the Town” access available in advance or on-site.
• Admission mixes free fringe events (many pub gigs) with paid headline concerts; under-16s free with adult.
• Pricing in USD: Weekend wristbands $13–$20 (converted from £10–£15); single Civic Hall tickets $26–$65 (£20–£50).
• Packages include full-weekend bundles with priority entry or family combos for workshops + shows.
• No lottery; advance purchase advised for headliners, with on-site sales at the Civic Hall box office.

Any Special Seating or VIP Options

• Minimum ticket pricing: Free for select fringe pub events.
• Maximum ticket pricing: $65 for premium headline single tickets.
• Reserved seating at Civic Hall concerts available for an extra $13 (£10), offering central views and early access.
• VIP packages ($130/£100) include weekend wristband, exclusive artist lounge meet-and-greets, and commemorative 30th anniversary merchandise.
• Accessibility options with companion discounts; enhanced audio for hearing needs on request.
• Group rates for 4+ on bundles, with family zones in daytime workshops.

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Contact Information

• Email: info@nantwichjazz.com (general inquiries, tickets, and program details).
• Phone: +44 1270 625283 (festival office, English support available).
• Website: https://nantwichjazz.com (official site for lineup, bookings, and 2026 announcements).
• Social Media: @NantwichJazz on Facebook for live updates, photos, and artist spotlights.
• Key Staff: Festival Director via info email; Venue Coordinator through website form.
• Press/Volunteers: Email press@nantwichjazz.com for media; volunteer sign-ups on the site.
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; donations support local charities.

Getting There

• Nearest airports: Manchester Airport (MAN, 35 miles/56 km) or Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL, 40 miles/64 km).
• Train: Direct to Nantwich Station (0.3 miles from High Street) from London Euston, Crewe, or Manchester.
• Bus: Local services from Crewe or Chester to Nantwich Bus Station (High Street); National Express from major cities.
• Taxi/Rideshare: Uber or local taxis from MAN (~45 minutes, $50–$70/£40–£55).
• Driving: M6 Junction 16 to A500 south, then A51 east (30 minutes from Manchester); satnav to CW5 5DG.
• Parking: Civic Hall lot ($5–$8/£4–£6/day); town center multi-story at Swine Market (CW5 5BY) for festival overflow.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: Premier Inn Nantwich ($70–$90/night), 0.5 miles from venues with free parking.
• Mid-range: The Leopard Hotel ($95–$120/night), historic pub-hotel in town center with live music ties.
• B&Bs: Malbank Inn & Restaurant ($80–$105/night), cozy rooms with breakfast overlooking the square.
• Family-friendly: Holiday Inn Express Crewe ($85–$110/night), 5 miles away with pools and kids’ amenities.
• Self-catering: Cottages via Airbnb in Nantwich ($90–$130/night), kitchens for groups near pubs.
• Luxury: Rookery Hall Hotel ($140+/night), 3 miles out, with spa and fine dining for a pampered stay.

Reviews

• The fringe gigs in those old pubs were pure gold—stumbled into a blues jam that had me hooked till closing, total Nantwich charm overload.
• Headline night at the Civic was electric; soulful sets from local legends mixed with big names, felt like the town’s beating heart on stage.
• Workshops saved the weekend—learned sax basics from a pro, and the family vibe made it easy for kids to join the jazz fun without fuss.