AFTER Pina Colada-fever swept through the town in August, plans are already well underway for its exciting return.

It has now been confirmed that the Pina Colada festival, a UK first, will return to Northwich next year, with plans to make it bigger and better than ever.

Although exact details are yet to be confirmed, the man whose song inspired the whole concept of the event, has said he will be coming back to his hometown to take part.

Rupert Holmes, who penned the 1979 hit "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" was born in the town in 1947 and has already confirmed to organisers he will be here, come rain or shine.

Excitement about the success of this year's festival has even gone viral, thanks to BBC presenter Claudia Winkleman, who has become its official cheerleading ambassador.

The festival and Claudia's plans to attend next year's event have been spoken about enthusiastically by the host on her Saturday morning Radio 2 show.

Adam Gerrard, project manager of Northwich BID, said there was already plenty to be excited about for 2022.

He said: "Next year's Pina Colada festival is going to be bigger and better than ever.

"The man himself, Rupert Holmes, has already confirmed he will be coming over for it.

"We are hoping to be in a position to announce more in the coming weeks and months.

"Claudia has spoken about this year's event a lot on her radio show and it will be amazing if she was involved.

"Next year's event is going to be absolutely massive for the town."