A FESTIVAL to honour one of the town's unheralded and lesser-known musical stars is finally coming to fruition.

Northwich will hold its first ever Pina Colada festival on Saturday, August 21 - with the town becoming a tribute to the tropical cocktail and the man whose famous song made the drink a household name across the world.

Rupert Holmes wrote and sang "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" which went on to be the last number one of the 1970's in the US Hot 100 and also topped the charts across the border in neighbouring Canada.

Little did many people know that Holmes, real name David Goldstein, was actually born in Northwich in 1947, living on Hemming Street, until he and his family went to live in America when he was just six-years-old.

However, one man did learn that particular fact when researching a lockdown quiz and soon afterwards, Tom Barrow made a viral Facebook post suggesting the town honour its unknown hero by holding a festival, and the idea was born.

And from that one simple idea, the town will go totally tropical in just a few weeks time, with many of its bars and restaurants taking part, by serving the famous drink on tap, while tropical dancers will take to the streets.

For proud Northwich native Tom, the response to his post couldn't have gone any better and with the town's BID giving its full backing to the idea, it is something he's delighted about.

"I'm ecstatic for how things have developed towards the festival," Tom said.

"It’s been a true collaborative effort from everyone behind the scenes and all the businesses involved.

"All the positivity and support has been fantastic.

"After a few difficult months, I’m looking forward to the town finally having something to celebrate and to be proud of."

Northwich Guardian: Tom Barrow came up with the idea for a festival back in February

Tom Barrow, who came up with the idea for the festival

As well as both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the cocktail being served around the town, there will also be live music and street performances, including dance groups in various locations.

Tom went on to say how much he just wants the people of the town to come out and support the concept, which can then hopefully became an annual event.

He added: "It’s the first ever festival so we’re going need as much local support as possible.

"So please come down and get yourself a cocktail or two.

"Hopefully this will be an annual event that we can build upon year after year."

Northwich Guardian: An advertising board for the Pina Colada festival in Apple Market Place

An advertising board for the Pina Colada festival in Apple Market Place

Northwich BID manager Adam Gerrard said: "Most of the bars around the town are signed up to be involved.

"In theory it won't take too much on their part but obviously each individual bar will have its own take on what they want to do on the day.

"There will be a drink trail on the day, so people can try out as many of the venues as they can.

"The day is basically a really good mix of both the song and the drink.

"There will be tropical dance sessions in three locations around the town, including in Barons Quay, the High Street and the new open space (Apple Market Place).

"It's going to add a really nice buzz to the high street.

"There is also going to be an Instagramable backdrop so people can get their pictures taken - hopefully while dressed in an Hawaiian shirt or a pineapple.

The action kicks off at 12pm on Saturday, August 21 - here's hoping nobody gets caught in the rain!