Manchester-born poet Mike Garry, a long-time favourite of Words & Music and three-time supporter of John Cooper Clarke, has repeatedly captivated Nantwich audiences. Many attendees have asked, "Could he do a headline gig?"- and we're thrilled to say that he now is, with a very special show unlike anything we've hosted before.

On Wednesday 13 May, Mike Garry & The Cassia String Quartet will perform in the beautiful setting of St Mary's Church. Mike's poetry, rooted in Manchester and its people, champions the underdog and uncovers beauty amid ugliness and triumph in tragedy. As Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays recently said, his work is "the best street poetry I've ever heard."

Mike and the Cassia Quartet have been collaborating for a decade, achieving a UK No.1 with St Anthony and working with artists as varied as New Order, The Charlatans, and New York minimalist composer Philip Glass. Their fusion of spoken word and classical music has created a completely new sound—one that Mike Joyce of The Smiths described by saying, "No words by me or anyone can truly describe how unique they are to see live."

We are delighted to welcome this remarkable collaboration to St Mary's Church for what promises to be a truly unforgettable night.