THE Pina Colada Festival makes its much-anticipated return to Northwich today (Saturday).

Twelve months on from its successful debut, the totally tropical celebration is back and this time around, is bigger and better than ever.

The action kicks off at 11am at Apple Market Place – a space transformed into a tropical paradise. There will be live music throughout the day and plenty of seating to enjoy the delights of the Pantasy Steel Band, a Live DJ set from Golty and an amazing seven-piece reggae band to finish things off.

There will also be plenty going on at two other locations, including Barons Square, which plays host to salsa dancing lessons at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. The square is also where you can find plenty of iconic deckchairs, from where you can listen to an array of live music provided by Radio Northwich.

Over at the Barons Quay Wildflower Meadow you can get your face painted until 3pm, while there will also be children’s rides and games until 5pm.

Another new feature this year is the surfing simulator where you can catch waves by the library on Witton Street, which will also host games of limbo – while there will also be plenty of free popcorn and candy floss.

The day also see the town’s businesses coming together to create their own take on the cocktail made famous by Rupert Holmes.

  • Health and wellbeing venue The Core are offering £2 off their Pina Colada energy tea and shakes - just don’t forget to say, “I like Pina Coladas”.
  • Weigh of the World will be doing Pina Colada milkshakes with or without a shot of alcohol and providing homemade cake.
  • Abda’s will be serving Pina Coladas (Abda Style), Pina Colada Cold Brew and Pina Colada Cake all day.
  • Or how about a Pina Colada milkshake from Vinnies?

The famous drink will be available across most of the town’s bars including The Grape and Bean, The Salt House NW, Barons Lounge, The Witton Chimes, Temple Bar and The Bullring NW.

The Bird and Hat will be serving their iconic Pina Coladas and also have live music of their own from 2pm.

Meanwhile, Culinary Concept has its own Pina Colada food menu, including French toast, coconut and pineapple chicken burger and not forgetting their incredible doughnuts.

But what about the all important weather? Well it looks like there is a good chance the day will bring some sunshine, with any showers not expected until later in the evening.