This year’s Words & Music Festival got off to a rocking start with Tuesdays, the festival’s live music and spoken word night, featuring the debut performance of Nantwich School of Rock.

Launched in early 2024 as a spin-off from the festival, Tuesdays was created to give songwriters and poets an opportunity to perform their work. Almost three years on, it had developed a reputation for its eclectic and unpredictable mix of performers, welcoming everyone from solo artists and bands to poets, authors, rappers and freestylers.

Musical styles ranged from folk, blues and Americana to country, jazz and pop. Cover versions were certainly not banned, but original work remained at the heart of the evening. Every session was different from the last, and no two nights were ever the same!

The night was co-hosted by internationally acclaimed songwriter and musician Nigel Stonier and fast-emerging duo Nastee Chapel, who performed some of their own material and introduced a diverse line-up of acts.

Nantwich’s next generation of rock stars

Opening the night was the debut performance of Nantwich School of Rock, featuring seven young local musicians aged between 12 and 15.

The group showcased original songs written over the previous few months and rehearsed during their weekly sessions, giving the young performers the opportunity to share their creativity and hard work with a live audience.

Launched in late 2025 as an addition to the newly rejuvenated Nantwich Youth and Community Centre (NYCC), the weekly group was initiated and led by volunteer Caroline Jones. Professional songwriter Nigel Stonier had also been lending his experience, help and support in the weeks leading up to the performance.

It was an exciting first outing for these young musicians and a chance to celebrate the emerging musical talent right here in Nantwich.

With original music, spoken word and an ever-changing mix of performers, Tuesdays provided a lively opening to this year’s Words & Music Festival.