EXCITED children embarked on a fun-filled adventure as they were challenged to dress up as pirates.

Four boats which would have been part of the floating market at the FAB Festival visited Middlewich for the weekend.

Northwich Guardian:

Children had fun dressing up as pirates

The Pirate Boat, Hippie Boat, Fudge & Moor and All Things Spanish moored on the canal beside Newton Brewery's beer garden.

Northwich Guardian:

Children enjoyed visiting The Pirate Boat

Heidi Manning and Jakki Clarke, who run the Pirate Boat, invited children to come in costume.

Northwich Guardian:

Lots of children came in costume

Heidi said: "It was a great weekend and we really appreciated the turn out despite the weather.

"All our festivals are cancelled for this year and it means a lot that the residents of Middlewich and also people from afar as Manchester, Burscough and Stoke came out to support us during this difficult time."

Northwich Guardian:

Families came from miles around

Their pirate themed gift shop is packed with treasure and toys and the crew also design and make button badges.

Northwich Guardian:

The pirate themed gift shop is packed with hats, flags, loot and treasure for little ones to explore

"I'm Cheshire born and bred," said Heidi, who also served ice creams, teas and coffees. "My parents live in Hartford and I have family in Middlewich.

" I gave up my job as a teacher,bought a boat and set up the business so we could fund ourselves around our wonderful waterways spreading a bit of pirate fun as we go."

Karleen Cross on Fudge & Moor brought a selection of home made fudge, chutneys, jams, hand painted jewellery and crafts and homemade dog treats.

Bob and Sandra Fell, who run All Things Spanish, served fresh coffee from a Barista machine and sold crystals and jewellery brought back from South America.

The Hippie Boat, owned by Jules and Pete Arman, offers a selection of unique clothes from India.

Northwich Guardian:

The Hippie Boat has a selection of unique clothing brought back from India

Jules said: "Everyone was really happy and enjoyed it. We saw lots of really happy faces, there was a nice atmosphere.

"People came specifically to see us. One woman who bought a skirt from us at a Fab Festival two years ago was talking to us. Her daughter was wearing it, I recognised it.

Northwich Guardian:

People who came to FAB Festivals years ago returned to meet up with the traders

"It feels nice to be out engaging with everybody again."

READ > Joy and laughter as regulars return to The Kings Arms in Middlewich

Sue Coulson, who runs Newton Brewery and The Narrowboat, said regulars were delighted to return to their locals.

Sue said: "Everything went very well. Kids dressed up as pirates and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

"Regulars were pleased to see their friends again.The general consensus was that beer tastes better out of a pump than a tin."

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