Northwich Piña Colada Festival 2023: All you need to know

The streets of Northwich will be transformed into a Caribbean carnival as the popular event returns on Saturday (August 19) with live music, dancing and, of course, cocktails.

It will be a welcome boost for the town’s businesses says Adam Gerrard, operations manager at Northwich BID, who are organising the festival with support from Northwich Town Council and additional funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Barons Quay.

He said: “You know, what's not always understood is why we're so gung-ho about putting on this event.

“It's a bit tough to put a number on how much it helps hospitality businesses, but trust me, they get a real shot in the arm from this one day.

“And the interesting thing is, this boost actually helps some of them keep going strong all year round.

“I've wandered around the businesses after the last couple of events, and even though the staff look tired, they're still buzzing with excitement because this is what they live for.

“A key element to the Piña Colada Festival is that we don’t bring in external traders, businesses are the biggest funder of the event through the BID, so it’s important they are the biggest beneficiary.”

Hannah Graham, from Rotary in Northwich, added: "We are really excited to be part of the fabulous atmosphere at the Piña Colada Festival, which never fails to deliver a great day, year after year.

"We would welcome anyone who has not experienced it before - pop along and see what’s going on.

"Fun for all the family, as well as tasty piña coladas a plenty!”

READ MORE: Piña Colada Festival decorations stolen and destroyed days after going up

Pina Colada Festival takes place on Saturday (August 19) (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

History of Piña Colada Festival

It is the third edition of the festival, which launched in 2021 after Northwich resident Tom Barrow discovered that Rupert Holmes, best known as the writer and singer of Escape, was from the town.

Rupert, real name David Goldstein, was born in Northwich in 1947 before moving to live in America when he was six.

Escape (The Piña Colada Song) came out in 1979 and topped the charts in the US.

Rupert has also won two Tony awards for his musical, Drood.

There will be all sorts of entertainment and hands-on activites taking place (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

What to expect - Music, parades & more

Adam from Northwich BID promises this year will be bigger than ever.

“Last year was the year we went big with activity, and the positivity that followed was immense – so we’re ensuring that this year is that little bit bigger,” he said.

“With live music hitting the top of Witton Street for the first time, a mega crafting zone in Barons Quay for families, street performers popping up in random places and parades that have butterflies – it’s all a little bit strange for a town centre to have, but in a really fun and enjoyable way.

“Our activity in the streets will finish at 6pm, with venues across the town centre picking up the reigns and giving people a night to remember.”

PHOTOS: Relive the 2022 Pina Colada Festival

Activites will run in the streets from 12pm to 6pm (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

The festival will be split into three main zones.

Apple Market Place will be home to the biggest stage with a lineup including Max Mutant DJ, Golty, Steel Xpress, and The Reggae Reggae Band.

Witton Quarter will host live music for the first time as the Pantasy Steel Band and Cuban Mojito take to the stage, along with the Northwich Uke Club.

There will also be street games, a best dressed competition, deck chairs and more.

Finally, Barons Square will offer a more family friendly environment with crafts, sand art and dance lessons.

The Piña Colada Festival wouldn’t be complete without the titular drink, and more than two dozen venues will be serving up both alcoholic and mocktail versions of the tasty treat.

Map of the festival (Image: Northwich BID)