YOU could say it was quite apt and prophetic that it rained for Northwich's first ever Pina Colada festival.

On the evidence of those who turned up to enjoy all what the day had on offer, it's fair to say the people of the town does indeed like Pina Colada's, and getting caught in the rain.

There was live music and street performances throughout the day, with Apple Market Place proving its worth as a town centre entertainment space.

For Tom Barrow, the day was both a surreal and exciting moment, seeing his idea for the town to celebrate Rupert Holmes finally come to fruition.

Northwich Guardian: Tom Barrow, who came up with the idea, said the festival had gone beyond all of his expectations

Tom Barrow, who came up with the idea, said the festival had gone beyond all of his expectations

The Guardian caught up with a delighted and proud Tom on the day itself, who rather than take the credit, was quick to praise the hard work of all those involved in making it happen.

He said: "The day was fantastic. It went beyond all of my expectations.

"I’ve never seen so many Hawaiian shirts in my entire life!

Northwich BID really did take Tom's idea and allowed it to develop and grow organically and Tom also acknowledged the town's businesses for getting on board so impressively.

"All credit goes to all the local pubs, bars and restaurants for taking my crazy rambling idea and running with it, with such enthusiasm and gusto," he added.

"All praise goes towards Adam Gerrard and The Northwich BID team.

"They’ve been the banging drum of the entire festival and the played an absolute blinder in its organisation and ensuring that everyone had such a fun and safe day.

"Hopefully we’ll be back bigger and better next year.

"And who knows, we might be able to secure a visit from the big man himself.

"That would be the absolute cherry on top of the cocktail - watch this space."

Northwich Guardian: The Salty Dog sold all its Pina Coladas just a couple of hours into the festival

The Salty Dog sold all its Pina Coladas just a couple of hours into the festival

Considering the idea was only floated by Tom on social media back in February, it's fair to say next year is likely to be even bigger and better.

Adam Gerrard, project manager of Northwich BID said how he feared the worst when the rains descended on the town on Saturday morning.

He said: "You know, stood there in the rain Saturday morning with Chris Shaw from the town council, we were expecting it to be a wash out.

"Who would come out in this weather? Running about trying to work out where we can put the street performers so they won’t get soaked!

"In the end, it was definitely a success, seeing all those who turned out enjoying the atmosphere - and the number of people that dusted off those crazy shirts and braved the weather.

"A big shout out to the businesses, they’re the ones that made the day - they absolutely smashed it.

"Looking at the effort they went to with venue dressing and staff getting dressed up for the occasion really made me realise how they’re all up for making our town a successful place to do business.

Northwich Guardian: Bar owners Keith Davies and his wife Jane really got into the spirit of things at the Temple Bar.

Bar owners Keith Davies and his wife Jane really got into the spirit of things at the Temple Bar.

"We’ll definitely be organising next years event and are look forward to working with partners at NTC, CWAC and Barons Quay to ensure we can go bigger.

"We’ll be keeping Tom in the steering group to ensure we continue to deliver the vision he came up with and taking the views of local businesses on what they want to see.

"Me and Tom plan to meeting at some point in the coming weeks to discuss what’s possible."

Every one of the town's bars were busy on Saturday, with Chris Mundie of The Salty Dog selling out all one hundred of the pineapples he'd bought especially for the occasion.

He added: "I just want to say it was an awesome day and it was great to see all the businesses working together for the town."

Northwich Guardian: Goosebumps kept peoples spirits high as they closed the festival on Saturday evening

Goosebumps kept peoples spirits high as they closed the festival on Saturday evening

Keith Davies, who runs the ever-popular Temple Bar with his wife Jane also said how much of an amazing weekend it had been.

He said: "What an amazing weekend.

"Thank you to everyone who joined in the party spirit over the weekend.

"It was a breath of fresh air to see so many out in such good spirits, especially considering the weather.

"We loved how busy we were from 9am until midnight and really want to thank our staff who worked like Trojans all day.

"We absolutely love Northwich where local people really do support local shops and bars."