Calling all Piña Colada lovers! The town of Northwich – less than an hour from Manchester city centre – is bringing back its annual Piña Colada Festival this Saturday (August 22). Taking over the town centre, 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, Piña Coladas (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) – making it the ultimate summer celebration for all ages.
Now in its sixth year, this year’s festival promises to be its biggest celebration yet and will be a packed day of entertainment with activities taking place across the town, including at Apple Market Place, Witton Quarter and Barons Quay.
The story behind the Piña Colada Festival
Organised and funded by Northwich BID, with the support of Northwich Town Council and Barons Quay, 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 thus 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.
“Despite the name, it’s about so much more than Piña Coladas.”
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.”
What to expect at the Piña Colada Festival
Apple Market Place
Apple Market Place returns for 2026 with its biggest setup yet, featuring an upgraded stage, a revamped sound system, and expanded seating. Hosted by local DJ Max Mutant, the area will deliver live music throughout the afternoon before welcoming the festival’s iconic town centre parade at 5pm — complete with brand-new surprises along the route.
Day Schedule
- 12pm– The Island Boys: Tropical melodies and well-known pop hits with a Caribbean twist.
- 1pm – DJ Max Mutant: Live set from the local host.
- 2pm & 3pm – Caribbean Rootz: Laid-back island vibes and smooth reggae rhythms.
- 4pm & 5.15pm – Goldust: Crowd-pleasing sets packed with chart-topping hits and classic anthems.
- 5pm – Grand Parade Arrival: The parade finishes its trip through the town centre with a stylish arrival at Apple Market Place.
Witton Quarter
By popular demand, Witton Quarter returns for 2026 at the top of Witton Street, featuring a live music stage, a pop-up beach, and free family entertainment.
Stage Schedule
- 12pm & 2pm – Eesha: Steel pan hits covering everyone from Bob Marley to Taylor Swift.
- 1pm – The Island Boys: Vibrant, infectious island melodies.
- 3pm – Northwich Ukulele Club: A fresh setlist filled with crowd-favorite singalongs.
- 4pm & 5pm – Jay Orchard: Soulful sets from the local favorite.
Attractions & Activities
- Pop-up Beach: Relax in lounge chairs at the beach area sponsored by TG Group Builders Merchants.
- Festival Photo Op: Capture memories at Pocket Park, right next to the Northwich Art Shop.
- Family Fun (12pm – 4pm): Free family games paired with complimentary popcorn.
Barons Square (outside Asda)
Barons Square is packed with free family entertainment from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featuring creative workshops, dance, music, and complimentary giveaways.
Craft Workshops (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
- Make and Do Den: Craft pineapple-themed rosettes.
- Scrapadoo Crew: Design Caribbean-themed butterflies and turtles.
- Sand Art Workshop: Hands-on sand art creation for kids.
Music, Dance & Treats
- 1.45pm – Samba Dancing Workshop: Get moving with a free dance session set to Radio Northwich’s summer playlist.
- Free Giveaways: Grab complimentary candyfloss and festival garlands outside Barrhead Travel.
The Parades
The Piña Colada Festival will feature three parade processions this year, bringing the town centre to life with the biggest sounds and sights to date, alongside carnival dancers, giant butterflies, exotic birds of paradise, and festival mascots Mr Colada and Mrs Salt.
Parade Schedule
- 1pm – Departs outside Asda at Barons Quay and winds through the town centre.
- 3pm – Begins on Witton Street, making its way back toward Barons Quay.
- 4.30pm – Final parade departs outside Asda at Barons Quay and winds through the town centre.
Other Activities at Piña Colada Festival
Beyond the main hubs, Northwich town centre will be packed with free family activities, interactive games, roaming entertainment, and funfair rides throughout the day.
Free Games & Activities
- Pineapple Crazy Golf: Outside Barclays.
- Surf Simulator: Outside Odeon.
- Fair Games: Located near Superdrug and Zaza.
- “Become a Butterfly”: Don your own wings outside Wildwood to celebrate Northwich as a Butterfly Friendly Town.
Photo Spots & Face Painting
- Tropical Photo Booth: Free picture spot at Max Spielmann on Witton Walk.
- Face Painting: Free face painting just around the corner on Witton Street.
Entertainment & Fairground
- Turbo & Dai (1pm-4pm): Roaming ghetto-blaster performances delivering high-energy tunes across the town centre.
- Sharlands Funfair: Classic fairground rides located at the Wildflower Meadow next to H&M (rides payable on the day).
Food & Drink
Across Northwich, dozens of shops, bars and restaurants will be getting into the Piña Colada Festival spirit, with many venues serving their own take on the classic cocktail alongside mocktails, great food and festival merchandise.
How to get to the Piña Colada Festival in Northwich from Manchester
The journey from Manchester city centre to Northwich by car is around a 50-minute drive via A5103, M56 and A556, then continue on the A559 to reach the town. You can get to the festival by hopping on the tram from Manchester city centre to Altrincham, then heading to Altrincham railway station to catch a direct train to Northwich, with the journey taking roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Check out the full event guide here.
