HUNDREDS of music lovers gathered in Northwich over the weekend to sing and dance for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

It had been three years since the Verdin Park Music Festival had been able to entertain the people of Northwich because of the pandemic.

With the free event always taking place on the first Saturday in June, this year’s coincided with Her Majesty celebrating becoming the first monarch to reach 70 years on the throne.

Northwich Guardian: Ivan Kingsley performing as ElvisIvan Kingsley performing as Elvis

As the day was fit for a Queen, it was only appropriate that the King himself made an appearance with Ivan Kingsley donning the famous white jump suit of Elvis Presley and going down a storm.

The day had been opened by the Dee Signers Choir, with other performances on the day coming from John Collins Band, Pastryshoes, The Purple Tones before The Pretend Beatles stole the show as the event's headliner.

Cllr Alison Gerrard, who has been organising the festival for the last ten years said it felt great to be back and see so many families out enjoying themselves.

Northwich Guardian: Around 800 people turned up for festivalAround 800 people turned up for festival

“It’s so nice to see so many families here,” she said.

“I’ve really missed not being able to put it on.

“It seems like a very long three years since we last had it on.

“We’ve also been so lucky with the weather, so I’m very happy.”

Northwich Guardian: The Pretend Beatles headlined the festivalThe Pretend Beatles headlined the festival

Northwich town mayor Cllr Graham Emmett also praised the turnout for the event.

“There was about 800 people,” he said.

“And they were treated to seven music performers starting with the Dee Sign Choir and ended with the Pretend Beatles to great acclaim.

“This year, the festival also had its own bar, that proved to be very popular, as well as Vinnie’s range of food to eat.

“It was such a family-friendly event, but as the evening progressed, and the children had gone home to bed, the adults were able to get up on their dancing feet to the famous songs performed by the Beatles.”

As a finale, the town council had also laid on a spectacular firework display at 10pm.

Next year, there are plans to make the event even bigger and better.