IT was a bitter sweet moment when Viola Beach became the first Warrington band to have a number one album topping the national charts.
Bitter because of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of the boys and their manager, sweet because they will always be remembered for their chart topping success, which has hopefully brought some small comfort to their families and friends.
Tim Parry & Johnathan Ball who died in the Warrington bombing
Similar to the Warrington bombing tragedy, the loss of Viola Beach will be one of those moments in our town’s history which will always be remembered and yet again Warrington has responded to a negative with a positive.
I will never forget the day I went out covering the Warrington bombing attack and I will never forget having to report on the Viola Beach tragedy, as it sank it that this was the young band which had performed at last year’s Warrington Festival, with many predicting success – but not in such tragic circumstances.
I am pleased to say this year’s festival will involve a tribute to Viola Beach with other local bands attempting to aspire to their dreams.
Following on from last year’s successful festival this year’s event looks set to be even bigger and better and something to build on as Warrington aspires to become a UK City of Culture – what a legacy that would be to Viola Beach.
Moving away from music there is a lot going on in the world of sport around Warrington, with the Wolves back at Wembley for the fourth time in eight years and Warrington Town bidding to follow up last year’s historic league title success, now competing at their highest level in the club’s history in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.
We wish both clubs well and future success – as success on the sporting front always brings a feel good factor to the town.
