WINSFORD Salt Fair has been hailed as a huge success this year with visitors coming from far and wide to enjoy the town’s famous event.

The salt fair was back for its fifth year last week, running from Wednesday, September 14, to Sunday, September 18.

Winsford town mayor, Cllr Steve Smith, resurrected the historic town fair in 2011 and has organised the now-annual event since then.

In the wake of this year’s event, Cllr Smith told the Guardian that the Salt Fair was bigger and busier than ever this year and said that the event had drawn in crowds from all over the country.

Cllr Smith said: “The parade and service was busier than it’s ever been, the boat trips were full every day up the River Weaver and it was the most successful yet, we had a fabulous weekend and can't thank everyone enough.

“It brought visitors in from all over the UK and also brought the boating community together. The sun shined all weekend, the parade was longer than ever, and we all have so many happy memories. The troupe dancing in the Lifestyle Centre brought in 11 teams and delivered 39 dances.”

The packed five-day event featured a regatta, dance performances, music entertainment, a prestigious theatre production, a craft fair, mayor’s parade, and historical displays showcasing Winsford as Britain’s only salt extracting mine.

The town’s Salt Queen Chelsea-Louise Doyle and her sister and lady-in-waiting Sophie Doyle were also crowned during the weekend and received high praise.

Cllr Gina Lewis, member of Winsford Town Council, said: “I’d like to thank and acknowledge our Salt Queen and her lady-in-waiting. Those two girls did so much and they went over and above what was expected of them.”

Proof that the Salt Fair was a hit with neighbouring towns came when Cllr Steve Smith and Winsford Town Council received a letter from the mayor of Frodsham, who was delighted with the event.

Cllr Mallie Poulton, Frodsham mayor, said: “The main reason for writing to you is to say how remarkable this very large event in several locations was managed and a perfect balance was met giving enjoyment for everyone from the youngest to the oldest the able bodied and the disabled. To do this at the very high standard you delivered was remarkable.

“I can see this event going from strength to strength and this year your format was spot on.”