Folk legends Fairport Convention, Ralph McTell and Seth Lakeman pay a visit to Nantwich this May, when they top the bill for a new folk, roots and Americana festival.

Called 'Nantwich Roots' and running from May 11 to 15 the event has been organised by the same team behind the market town's popular Words and Music Festival and is described by director Nigel Stonier as a sister event to W&M, which itself returns in its usual October slot.

Nigel said: "Nantwich has staged successful folk festivals dating right back to the '70s, but has been without one for some time now. Having picked up the mantle, we're thrilled with the acts we've managed to entice here for our inaugural year."

Celebrating the best of folk, roots and Americana, Nantwich Roots sees a host of live gigs across the town, at venues including the Civil Hall, Crown Ballroom, Ebenezer's Craft Beer and Gin Bar and Applestump Records. The three main headliners are:

• FAIRPORT CONVENTION (pictured above) - the iconic band who changed the face of UK folk forever with their seminal release 'Liege and Leaf' and penned such classics as 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes' and 'Meet On The Ledge,' appearing in Nantwich for the first time at the Civic Hall on Sunday 15th May

• RALPH McTELL - writer of classic material including 'Streets Of London,' probably England's most famous contemporary folk song, appearing at Nantwich Civil Hall Saturday 14th May

• SETH LAKEMAN - virtuoso fiddle player, singer songwriter and contemporary folk superstar who sold out the Civic Hall on his last visit in 2017, making a welcome return on Friday 13th May

Also appearing for a special afternoon performance on Saturday 14th May are Sheffield based NANCY KERR and JAMES FAGAN, recipients of a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award, with Nancy one of the most acclaimed fiddle players in the UK and James a multi-instrumentalist.

And on Thursday 12th May, fans of Americana music can enjoy ROBERT VINCENT, winner of the AMA Best UK Americana Artist award, with his band, plus a special guest appearance by Louisiana born singer/songwriter KATE ELLIS.

More acts will be announced shortly, with several free 'fringe' gigs scheduled around the town.

The event's Team leader Ed Douglas said: "We're always pleased that people travel from far and wide to attend Words and Music events, but equally important is the support and appreciation we get from the people of Nantwich itself.

"We'd also like to thank all of our sponsors, whose support makes these events possible and would love to hear from any other local businesses and organisations who may be interested in working with us in the future."

As always, the safety of audiences, performers and staff is an absolute priority, with regular risk assessments for each event taking place and government/health and safety guidelines followed.

Tickets for all events can be purchased at Nantwich Civic Hall (01270 628633) or via Wordsandmusicfestival.com