Northwich is getting ready to turn tropical this August, as the town’s much-loved Pina Colada Festival returns for its biggest celebration yet.
Taking over the town centre next Saturday (22nd August), the free family-friendly festival will bring together live music, colourful parades, a pop-up beach, street performances and fun family activities, alongside plenty of food and drink and, of course, Pina Coladas (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Now in its sixth year, the festival promises a packed day of entertainment with activities taking place across the town, including at Apple Market Place, Witton Quarter and Barons Quay.
Organised and funded by Northwich BID, with the support of Northwich Town Council and Barons Quay, and sponsored this year by Barrhead Travel, the festival first launched in 2021 after it was discovered that Rupert Holmes, the artist behind ‘Escape’ (The Pina Colada Song), was born in Northwich in 1947. A social media post suggesting the town should celebrate the unlikely connection quickly went viral and the Pina Colada Festival was born. Six years on, the festival has become a firm favourite in Northwich’s events calendar with thousands of visitors joining the tropical-themed celebrations each year.
Event Programme:
Apple Market Place
Featuring its biggest stage line-up to date, with a bigger sound system and even more seating for 2026, Apple Market Place is home to the festival’s live music line-up throughout the day. Hosted by local DJ Max Mutant, The Island Boys will be kicking off proceedings at 12pm, playing a mixture of infectious island melodies and well-known pop songs with a Caribbean twist, followed by a set by Max himself at 1pm. Caribbean Rootz will be taking to the stage at 2pm and 3pm bringing laid-back island vibes and irresistible reggae rhythms, followed by sets from Goldust at 4pm and 5.15pm packed with feel-good hits including iconic classics and chart favourites.
The festival’s renowned parade will once again make its way through the town centre before arriving in style at Apple Market Place at 5pm. This year, festivalgoers can expect a few new additions along the way, with some surprises that are definitely worth sticking around for.
Witton Quarter
Back for 2026 due to popular demand, Witton Quarter will feature a full stage with live music at the top of Witton Street. Skilled steel pannist, Eesha will kick things off at 12pm covering hits from Bob Marley, Taylor Swift and many more with an additional set at 2pm, while The Island Boys will be bringing their infectious island melodies to the stage at 1pm. At 3pm Northwich’s own Ukulele Club return to Witton Quarter with an all new set-list including lots of singalong classics, followed by soulful sets from local musician Jay Orchard at 4pm and 5pm.
The pop-up beach, sponsored by TG Group Builders Merchants, is also returning, complete with lounge chairs for adults to sit back and relax. Visitors can capture some memories from the day at the Pocket Park next to Northwich Art Shop with a fun festival photo opportunity, before trying out free family games with free popcorn from 12pm – 4pm.
Barons Square (outside Asda)
It’s all about family fun at Barons Square with a full line-up of free craft activities running from 12pm – 4pm, including a Make and Do Den where little ones can create a pineapple themed rosette, the Scrapadoo Crewwhere children can create a Caribbean themed butterfly or turtle and a Sand Art Workshop. For those who want to get their salsa on, Radio Northwich will be tuning up the atmosphere with their own summer playlist and a free Samba Dancing Workshop at 1.45pm. Visitors can also pick up a free candyfloss and complimentary festival garlands outside Barrhead Travel.
The Parades
It’s not the Pina Colada Festival without the parades, and this year there are three to make sure no-one misses out on the action! Starting from Barons Quay and weaving its way through the town centre, this year’s parade will feature the festival’s biggest sounds and sights to date, featuring carnival dancers, magnificent butterflies, exotic birds of paradise and the festival’s very own mascot Mr Colada, alongside Mrs Salt and friends. The parades will start at 1pm and 4.30pm outside Asda at Barons Quay, with an additional parade taking place at 3pm starting on Witton Street, before heading back to Barons Quay.
Other Activities
In addition to the three key festival locations, there are lots of free activities taking place across the town.
Strike a pose at the free Tropical Photo Booth and capture a fun Pina Colada Festival memory at Max Spielmann on Witton Walk, before heading around the corner to Witton Street for free face painting.
For those who like a bit of healthy competition, there’s Pineapple Crazy Golf outside Barclays, a Surf Simulatoroutside Odeon and Fair Games near Superdrug and Zaza, all of which are free to take part.
As a Butterfly Friendly Town, Northwich will also be celebrating its connection with butterflies during the festival with a free Become a Butterfly activity outside Wildwood, inviting festivalgoers to don their own pair of wings.
Festival favourites Turbo & Dai will be back to wow the crowds with their ghetto blaster and a bangin’ soundtrack providing roaming performances across the town centre from 1pm – 4pm while Sharlands Funfairwill also making a welcome return with their popular fairground rides* located by the Wildflower Meadow, next to H&M. *Rides are payable on the day.
Food & Drink
Across Northwich, dozens of shops, bars and restaurants will be getting into the Pina Colada Festival spirit, with many venues serving their own take on the classic cocktail alongside mocktails, great food and festival merchandise. Check out the full event guide here.
Ellis Wardle, Northwich BID Chair said: “The Pina Colada Festival has become a firm favourite in Northwich and, despite the name, it’s about so much more than Pina Coladas. It’s a fantastic family-friendly day out, with live music, parades, activities and entertainment for all ages taking place across the town centre.
“What makes the festival particularly special is the way the whole town gets behind it. Our shops, bars and restaurants really embrace the day with their own offers, food, drinks and festival specials.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back this August for another fun-filled day and hope visitors will take the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy everything Northwich has to offer.”
For further information and event updates head to https://pinacoladafest.co.uk or follow @VisitNorthwich
