THOUSANDS of revellers descended on Moss Farm at the weekend for an action packed series of events that made up this year's Northwich Festival.

The four-day event, formally the Festival of Sport, has been heralded a success after an enhanced programme of attractions featuring, for the first time, non-sporting events, witnessed a record number of visitors.

Plenty of people headed down to Moss Farm on Bank Holiday Monday for the festival's climax, which was an all day entertainment extravaganza featuring everything from a car boot sale and craft fair to a have-a-go golf range, fun fair and advanced motorcycle display.

The main event was the Cheshire Strongman competition, which was won for the seventh successive year by Paul Hayes, from Manchester.

However, it was no walk in the park for the 22-stone Goliath who had to battle to keep his title from Middlewich's Damien Folksman who won both the barrel loading event and tyre race.

The crowds were also kept entertained with displays by Hartford Gymnastics Club, LA Fitness's body combat team and world champion bodybuilder Paul Sutton.

The festival's other events had also proved popular including a sportsman's dinner, farmers produce market, battle of the bands competition and an Irish night featuring live music by the Bogtrotters which attracted more than 300 people.

Sam Naylor, chairman of NRFC and event organiser, said: "It has been fantastic. This year's event has certainly seen more people coming down than last year and I think that is mainly down to the wide range of events, I mean having things like the kids races has made a real difference.

"We are on track, in partnership with Vale Royal Borough Council, to turn this into the best value for money sporting event in the area."

He added: "The festival's success is all down to the hard work of the committee and the boys at Northwich Rugby Club."

scorrigan@guardiangrp.co.uk