A HOST of famous names are set to headline Nantwich’s Words and Music Festival this year, as the event continues to grow.

Now in its ninth year, the festival’s line-up is already beginning to take shape ahead of the week-long celebration in October.

Legendary punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke, Scottish singer Eddi Reader and Sex Pistols songwriter Glen Matlock have already been confirmed with more acts set to be announced this month.

Nigel Stonier said: “We started as a weekend event with just three shows back in 2008. Now we’re running for a week, and Nantwich as a town has given us a repeated ‘thumbs up’.

“Most of our shows are sell-outs, and we’re very happy that every year visitors from further afield come and enjoy the shows and discover the town. Audience members have previously travelled from Japan, Norway, Germany and France as well as from all over the UK.

“Tickets have been on sale for less than two weeks and are selling really strongly. We are excited by this year’s line-up of headlining acts and we’ll announce more events – both ticketed and free - very shortly.”

Confirmed venues include Civic Hall, St Mary’s Church, The Crown Hotel, The Railway Hotel and Enzo and Bloom.

Words and Music Festival is organised by producer, musician and singer/songwriter Nigel Stonier alongside internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter Thea Gilmore and a team of Nantwich-based volunteers.

This year’s festival will take place from Monday, October 10 through to Sunday, October 16.

For ticket details, visit wordsandmusicfestival.com or drop in to Grapevine, The Crown Hotel or Bloom in Nantwich.