Northwich Piña Colada Festival decorations stolen and destroyed

More than 20 knitted pineapples placed around Northwich have been vandalised, just days after being put up.

The pineapples were created by yarn bombing group Toppers of Northwich who, while devastated, will not be deterred.

Member Becci Darby said: “We’re very sad to share that over the weekend, we have had many of our lovely pineapples stolen or destroyed.

“We have had some kind members of the public that have messaged us to let us know about the damage and that they have been able to rescue one from a group walking through town.

“We are more concerned that these have been secured using heavy duty zip-ties which look to have been cut with a knife.”

More than 20 of the toppers have been destroyed or stolen (Image: Becci Darby)

Becci added: “It’s very frustrating, however, we are remaining positive and won’t be letting a handful of individuals ruin it for the children and people of Northwich that do enjoy our work.

“Toppers Of Northwich team are working hard to make new ones - which we are going to leave until just before the Piña Colada Festival before putting them back out.

“We as a group have big plans for Christmas for all to enjoy, we have also recently filmed with the BBC regarding our yarn bombing which will be shown early next year - all positive stuff for our little town!”

The Piña Colada Festival was launched in 2021 after Northwich resident Tom Barrow discovered that Rupert Holmes, writer and singer of Escape (The Piña Colada Song), was born in the town in 1947.

Feeling the town should make the most of this unique claim to fame, the Piña Colada Festival was born.

90 pineapple toppers have been placed around Northwich ahead of the Pina Colada Festival (Image: Newsquest)

PHOTOS: Relive the 2022 Piña Colada Festival

This year’s event takes place on Saturday (August 19), spread across three areas around Northwich.

Apple Market Place will have live music throughout the day, Witton Street will host a range of games including a piña colada-themed crazy golf, and Barons Square will feature a range of family friendly activities, from dance lessons to arts and crafts.

There will also be three dancing parades, starting at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm at Barons Square.

It almost goes without saying that piña coladas are at the heart of the festival, with local traders selling more than 5,500 cocktails, mocktails, milkshakes and smoothies last year.

Ahead of the big day, Toppers of Northwich left 90 pineapple toppers around the town, as well as decorating five post boxes, creating window displays and installing two eight-foot-tall palm trees.