Four days of festival frivolity proved to be the best yet (From Northwich Guardian)

Four days of festival frivolity proved to be the best yet

1:47pm Tuesday 28th August 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

FOUR days of fun and frivolity could not be damped down by iffy weather at Moss Farm this weekend.

Organisers of Northwich Festival are celebrating one of their best events to date this year.

Steve Wood, one of the organisers and a lifelong member of Northwich Rugby Club, said: “With the overall package this year is the best we’ve ever done, it’s been really really successful.”

Festival fever began on Friday with an independent living awareness day followed by a Las Vegas casino night, where festival-goers were treated to performances from two Elvis tribute acts.

Steve said: “One had come along because he was obviously interested in the other and he ended up performing himself - it was a really good night.”

Women’s rugby was played on Saturday, with Northwich Ladies coming second to winners Waterloo.

The day culminated in a night of live music from Beaver.

“It was the best attended single event we’ve ever had,” said Steve.

“We had about 500 people in the marquee, despite the rain.”

An all-day music festival was held on Sunday and the festival hosted the Paralympic flame, which even got a ride on a miniature railway.

Colin Edmondson, from the Mid Cheshire Society of Model Engineers, said: “Quite a few miniature railways carried the Olympic flame but as far as I know we are the only portable track to carry the Paralympic flame.”

Bank Holiday Monday was the wettest day but it still saw crowds come out to watch the Strongman North contest, enjoy donkey rides, stalls and attractions and witness the first Northwich Guardian Soap Box Derby.

A total of 12 teams entered and Northwich RUFC under 11s won with a Thomas the Tank Engine soap box, which defeated the Tata apprentices’ entry.

Steve Farrell, derby organiser, said: “I’m very pleased with how it went, there was a mixture of technology and bonkers imagination.

“It’s going to be a regular feature so I want entrants to start thinking about next year now.”

Steve Wood said: “Despite the weather Northwich people came out in force to support this event which they’ve come to know and love.”