Nantwich Concert Band has been honoured with the Outstanding Organisation “Salt of the Earth” Award at the Mayor of Nantwich’s annual community awards ceremony.

Presented at Nantwich Civic Hall, the award recognises individuals and organisations who make an exceptional contribution to the local community through dedication, volunteering and service.



The award recognised Nantwich Concert Band as a whole for more than 40 years of bringing live music to the community through concerts, civic events and performances across the town. The band regularly performs at events including Nantwich Food Festival, concerts at Nantwich Civic Hall, and outdoor performances in Nantwich town centre for shoppers and visitors.

Committee members Nick Thayer, Jo Birch and Janet Haighton were the official nominees put forward on behalf of the organisation, recognising the enormous contribution they have made to the band over many years.

The nomination highlighted the vital role they played in helping the band recover following the Covid pandemic, when weekly attendance had dropped to around 15 players. Through determination, leadership and a huge amount of voluntary effort, the band has since flourished, regularly welcoming between 45 and 50 members to rehearsals each week.

The past year has been especially significant for Nantwich Concert Band, which achieved a Gold Award at the National Concert Band Festival and has welcomed more than 30 new members since January 2025.

Nick Thayer was recognised for his exceptional leadership and strategic direction during a transformative period for the organisation. From guiding the band through the challenges of Covid to helping shape its long-term future, Nick’s encouragement, hands-on support and steady leadership have been central to the band’s success. As the welcoming public face of the organisation, he is often the first person new members meet, helping create the friendly, supportive and professional atmosphere for which the band has become known.

Jo Birch was praised for the extraordinary energy and enthusiasm she brings to the organisation across a wide range of roles. Her creativity, positivity and determination continually push the band forward, while her commitment to communication, organisation and member support helps maintain the strong sense of community at the heart of the band. Her passion for the organisation is matched only by her willingness to turn ideas into action.

Janet Haighton was described as the band’s “true unsung hero”, having devoted more than a decade to supporting the organisation behind the scenes. From coordinating performances and managing event enquiries to supporting members and keeping communication flowing, Janet’s dedication and attention to detail help hold the band together. Her quiet commitment, reliability and constant presence have made her an indispensable part of Nantwich Concert Band for many years.



Band members attended the awards evening at Nantwich Civic Hall to celebrate the achievement and support the nominees. The organisation said it was proud to see the contribution of the entire band, and especially the volunteers who help sustain it behind the scenes, recognised by the local community.

The Mayor’s “Salt of the Earth” Awards celebrate residents, volunteers, businesses and organisations that have made a positive difference within Nantwich and surrounding communities.