FOLLOWING its successful debut last year, the Northwich Pina Colada Festival made its highly anticipated return on Saturday (August 20).

Bigger and better than ever, the careful planning that had gone into the event turned the whole town into a tropical paradise for the day.

Despite revellers being somewhat predicable caught in the rain last year, this time around the sun played shone as hundreds of people came out to have fun.

With Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts aplenty, the effort involved in outfit selection was as keenly matched by the makeover given to the town itself.

Northwich Guardian:

With Apple Market Place filled with swaying palms and oversized cocktail glasses, creative yarn bombs told the story of the song that inspired the idea.

Escape: The Pina Colada Song was a number one hit for Northwich-born Rupert Holmes in 1979 and it was another town resident who came up with the idea to dedicate a day of celebration to that very fact.

Tom Barrow said he was amazed at how successful his concept had become.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine the day the being as successful as it was,” he said.

“The whole town came out in mass to celebrate their connection to Rupert Holmes and of course have an excuse to have a party!"

Northwich Guardian:

“There were vivid Hawaiian shirts as far as the eye could see," he continued.

“The whole town was alive and buzzing. I’ve never seen people queue for anything in Northwich before, it was bonkers (in a good way)!”

“Chatting to people around the town, some revellers had travelled as far as London, Manchester, Sheffield, North Wales… and yes even Winsford to come and celebrate in all the pineapple craziness.”

“All credit goes out to Adam Gerrard and his team at Northwich BID, Northwich Town Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council for running with my crazy little idea and turning it a reality.

“All the staff at the town’s businesses should be applauded for their professional and hard work during the day.

“This event is something that can only get bigger and better in the future.

“Roll on PCF 2023!”

Northwich Guardian:

Adam Gerrard, of Northwich BID said: "The word I’ve heard people consistently say this weekend is ‘buzzing’, and that’s because the town was alive with an atmosphere not seen for some time.

"I’m really proud of the team we had delivering this event on Saturday, with staff from Northwich BID and Northwich Town Council coming together to ensure everyone had a safe and enjoyable day.

"The volunteers supporting our street activities worked hard, and we couldn’t have run it without them - along with Radio Northwich taking care of our Barons Quay stage.

"Most of all I’m greatful to all our businesses who worked incredibly hard on one of their busiest days of the year.

"Watch this space for 2023, the Pina Colada Festival will be back.

"And as we did this year, we’re going to be taking it up a gear as I’m sure we’ll see even bigger crowds heading to Northwich for what is now a firm favourite in our annual events calendar."

The event was organised by Northwich BID, supported heavily by Northwich Town Council and received additional funding from Cheshire West and Chester members and Barons Quay.