THE 25th Folk and Boat Festival proved to be such a success this year that organisers have been left wondering how to top it next year.

The festival was brought to a close on Sunday by legendary ska artist Neville Staple and his band after Middlewich was transformed into a bustling hotspot for families, boaters, music lovers and traders.

The weekend consisted of live music and cultural dance performances from 11 venues all over the town, market stalls, narrowboat trips on the canal and various other family events throughout Middlewich.

Middlewich Town Council events manager and organiser of the event Dave Thompson said he thinks this year’s event pulled in more people from further afield and is not looking forward to trying to top this year’s festival.

Dave said: “It was a fantastic weekend, we were overrun really with the small number of staff and volunteers we had but everyone I spoke to had a great time.

“We had a lot of new people here this year which was really nice. I think our advertising further afield worked because we had a lot of people coming from all over Cheshire and the north west and even from overseas as well that I think maybe were here and heard about the event.

“There were thousands around over the weekend and I don’t like to say it was the best ever but it was definitely up there with the numbers of people.

“It’s a case of after such a success, how do you top that?

“I’d to say a hug thank you to everybody who helped out with the festival this years and if anybody wants to get involved next year, please get in touch with the town council.”

Middlewich Police also praised the festival goers for enjoying the weekend in such high spirits.

Sgt Mike Beamish, from Middlewich Police, said: “There were no incidents of note at all in Middlewich over the weekend. We had a couple of special constables out and in the past there have been incidents when people have had a lot to drink but everyone was really good and enjoyed the weekend in good spirits which is really pleasing.”