Pop record producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Nigel Stonier, is used to working with top bands.

He has produced and written material for a long line of British acts, including Fairport Convention,  Lindisfarne and Paul Young of Mike + The Mechanics to name a few.

Last weekend, he was back in Sandbach at Sandbach Makers Market promoting Nantwich Roots - a words and music event taking place in May - which he promotes every year.

And on Friday night (April 18th) Nigel, who attended Sandbach School before heading off to London, performed live at the Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival at the Crown Hotel.

"I love playing locally," said Nigel, whose album 'Wolf Notes' is due to be released shortly. "There's something great about playing in an area where you're from."

Nigel now lives in Nantwich but grew up in Sandbach, attending Sandbach School and later teaching the guitar there for a short period.

So much of a local music legend and so well-known for his work Nigel was invited back to Sandbach School to speak at a commendation day in 2016.

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These days though although his work takes him here, there and everywhere, Nigel is still a familiar face at Sandbach School as his two sons, Egan (18) and Asher (13) are both students there.

Nigel is promoting the Nantwich Roots event again. (Photo: Nigel Stonier)

"I go back to school events to see them," said Nigel, whose musical career began at the Crewe Road school as a youngster back in the day.

"I had so much encouragement from my teachers there which I am so grateful for. I taught the guitar briefly as a peripatetic teacher. It's great to be promoting events like Nantwich Roots and bringing big names to play locally."

This year's line-up includes old favourites, Lindisfarne as well as top names such as Huey Morgan, The Fun Lovin' Criminal. Nantwich Roots runs from May 12th - 18th and further details are available here

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