DO you like piña coladas?

Yes, the popular annual festival is back and it promises to be bigger and better than ever - hopefully without getting caught in the rain.

The streets of Northwich will once again be swept up by a taste of the Caribbean with live music, dancing, family-friendly entertainment and, of course, cocktails.

Ellis Wardle, owner of The Salthouse and chair of Northwich BID’s executive board, said: “It is a great showcase for many businesses, particularly those in hospitality, who all get into the spirit of the day with their own take on the piña colada!

“As a business owner myself, I know that the day is certainly one of, if not, the busiest trading days of the year for us and I know from talking to other businesses we’re certainly not alone.”

Local businesses will be serving their take on the piña coladaLocal businesses will be serving their take on the piña colada (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

The Piña Colada Festival debuted in 2021 after a post on social media by local resident Tom Barrow suggested the town should celebrate the song’s creator, Rupert Holmes, who was originally from Northwich.

This year’s event will take place across the town on Saturday (August 17), with the festivities split up into four key zones, each offering something different.

Apple Market Place and the Witton Quarter will both host live music, with acts taking to the stage between midday and 6pm.

Ears will be treated to everything from steelpan players and DJs to ukelele clubs and five-piece reggae bands.

Apple Market Place will encapsulate the festival vibe with giant props, glitter tattoos and a selfie stand.

Meanwhile, Witton Quarter will be offering free street games, competitions and complementary popcorn and candy floss.

The parade will pass through the festival three times throughout the dayThe parade will pass through the festival three times throughout the day (Image: Karl Brooks Photography)

A more relaxed, family-friendly, atmosphere can be found at Barons Quay.

Festivalgoers can enjoy face painting, pineapple crafts, sand art and dance lessons as well as learning how to limbo.

There will also be a free pineapple-themed crazy golf course on High Street, near Barclays.

On top of all that is the centrepiece parade, which will weave its way through the streets of Northwich three times throughout the day.

The festival is also a perfect time to try some of the town's bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes, many of which will stay open well into the evening, serving up their take on the piña colada.