FOR a festival that, on the face of it, offers a programme mainly dedicated to jazz and blues, other musical genres are certainly allowed a decent showing.

The Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival is now in its 14th year and promises more than 90 gigs in the town's many restaurants and pubs, as well as larger concerts in the civic hall and The Crown Hotel.

Last year's event saw an estimated 40,000 music fans sampling styles ranging from swing, funk and pop, to country, metal, reggae and jazz.

And in 2010, organisers have surpassed themselves by booking The Blockheads, who will perform at the civic hall on Friday, April 2.

The group, who have been together for more than 30 years, are currently riding high after a recent biopic about former lead singer Ian Dury.

Starring Andy Serkis, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll charts the life of 1970s "pop laureate" Dury, singer of anthems such as Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick and of course, the title track of the film.

Along with The Blockheads, Dury achieved five hit singles and two top 10 albums between 1978 and 1980. After a lengthy battle with cancer, he died in March 2000, aged 57.

Micky Gallagher, keyboard player with the band and long-time friend of Dury, is pleased that his legacy continues to influence the music scene to this day.

Gallagher helped to re-record the group's catalogue for the film with Serkis taking lead vocals.

He says: "It's at the point where our original fans have got kids. "The film seems to have created more interest in a whole new generation.

"It focuses people's attention on what's gone on. I think it's very entertaining and the casting is inspired.

"All the little stories and vignettes – obviously with a little dramatic licence – are there.

"Ian was a genius with words. There was never a dull moment around him."

Gallagher's commitments with The Blockheads means he will be unable to play with his other group, Animals & Friends, when they take to the stage on Saturday, April 2.

He's been performing with them since 1965, long before he met Ian Dury and formed The Blockheads.

On a double bill with fellow 1960s rockers The Move, audiences can expect classic Animals hits House of The Rising Sun and We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.

"Unfortunately I'm missing the Animals' gig, which is the night after I perform with The Blockheads" says Micky, whose distinctive Hammond organ sound was also used in The Clash's albums London Calling and Sandinista!

"We are currently doing a tour so I'm booked in with them the next day.

"We'll be playing most of our new album, Staring Down The Barrel, and celebrating our hits. Derek Hussey, who is our new singer, joined the band to shake a tambourine but he's ended up writing the lyrics to the new album. It's been a steep learning curve.

"We just keep going because it's still exciting to us."

Saxophonist Snake Davis kicks off festival proceedings with a Northern Soul night on Thursday, April 1 at the Civic Hall.

R 'n' B singer Geno Washington makes a welcome return to Nantwich with a Sunday night performance, and the event is rounded off with favourites Nearly Dan and tribute act Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac.

Meanwhile The Crown Hotel sees piano player Ben Waters. Sandi Thom, whose single I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker reached number one in 2006, follows last year's sell-out with a gig on Monday, April 5.

Festival director Phillip Martin says: "Staging a major event in this economic climate was not a decision to be taken lightly.

"But tickets started flying out the minute we had a spot of sunshine and things are now looking extremely promising."

Wristbands, priced at £5 each, allow access to the smaller gigs and will go on sale at The Crown, civic hall and Nantwich town square from 10am on April 1.

For information on the full line-up for the 14th Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival from Thursday, April 1, until Monday, April 4, pick up a brochure at local outlets.