Singer Rupert Holmes performs at Northwich Piña Colada Festival

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

Rupert Holmes, who wrote the 1979 hit Escape (The Piña Colada Song), performed at Northwich's Piña Colada Festival in his hometown.

Rupert Holmes, creator of the 1979 hit Escape (The Piña Colada Song), performed at Northwich's Piña Colada Festival. He described the performance as the most meaningful of his career, despite having sung the song in America, Canada, Japan, Australia, China and across Europe.

Holmes, who was born in Northwich, said the performance transformed the event. He remarked that the crowd was enormous and the town square was packed. What made it special, he said, was that people did not expect him to be there, and he could see them recognising his voice and realising who he was. From the stage, he declared: 'My name is Rupert Holmes from Hemming Street, Northwich, and I've come home.'

He said the festival captured the spirit of Northwich, where there is 'a wonderful sense of humour here, great resilience and a willingness to embrace a whimsical idea'. The festival, now in its sixth year, began after a Facebook post in early 2021 when resident Tom Barrow discovered that Holmes was born in the town.

How it is being reported

• The 80s star whose surprise Northwich performance was his most meaningfulThe Piña Colada Pilgrimage... And why Northwich nearly had a Humphrey Bogart festivalWarrington Guardian · 25 Oct, 06:36
• The 80s star whose surprise Northwich performance was his most meaningfulThe Piña Colada Pilgrimage... And why Northwich nearly had a Humphrey Bogart festivalNorthwich Guardian · 25 Oct, 06:36

In this story: Rupert Holmes · Northwich · Cheshire · Tom Barrow

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