Wednesday 13th June 2018 by BASE Serviced Apartments
Chester is a city oozing with history and culture. Each year the city celebrates its wonderful 2000 year old heritage with Chester Heritage Festival. This year the festival coincides with the 2018 European Year of Culture and Heritage and will take place between 22nd – 30th June. With over 50 events making up the programme spread across the city, Base Serviced Apartments have put together our top 10 picks of free things to do during the festival this year.
The festival tells the story of the city and its people and how the past shapes Chester today. Set in the heart of the city, Chester’s historic buildings provide a spectacular backdrop for the programme of events. The festival sees families come together for a variety of walks, talks, exhibitions and workshops that divulge into the rich history of the city. Whether you follow in the footsteps of the Romans or immerse yourself in medieval traditions, this is a festival not to be missed.
1. View the Launch of Chester Heritage Festival
Where: Chester Town Hall
When: 21/06/18, 6pm-8pm
Join the Chester Town Crier, the Master of Ceremonies for a theatrical introduction to the festival. Actors from the plays, musicians, warriors and even mythical characters will come together for a show stopping performance sure to build up excitement for the days ahead.
2. Embark on a Canal Heritage Walk
Where: Meet at Cow Lane Bridge, Frodhsam Street
When: 22/06/18, 4pm
Learn about Chester’s wonderful maritime history on a free guided walk along the canal. Visit Tower Wharf and Dee Basin and celebrate the canal becoming a conservation area whilst taking in the beautiful scenery!
The 2-hour walk is unsuitable for young children, due to narrow paths in places. Step and lock gate crossings are also included along the route.
3. Discover Your Roots!
Where: Mezzanine floor of the library at Storyhouse, Hunter Street
When: 22-30th June, 10am-12noon
Chester Heritage Festival is giving you the chance to delve deeper into your family tree! Getting started can be a daunting task but getting past a ‘brick wall’ can be as simple as asking someone else to look at the problem.
With online resources and the assistance of a member of the Family History Society of Cheshire, who knows what you might discover about your roots? This is a drop-in service in which an experienced staff member will use their expertise and local knowledge to help you find out more about your Chester Heritage.
4. Build a Lego City
Where: The Kitchen, Storyhouse, Hunter Street
When: 23rd – 24th June, various times
Who doesn’t love Lego?! Kids and big kids alike have the chance to build their vision of Chester out of Lego. Whether it’s a house, a castle or a tower – let your imagination run wild.
Looking for inspiration? Each session will be hosted by local architects who are available for questions and architectural ideas. Chester Cathedral in Lego and Chester in Lego will also be on display in Market Hall which are both awe inspiring projects.
5. Get Crafty with Heritage Crafts
When: Various days
Where: Various locations
During Chester Heritage Festival there will be regular arts and crafts sessions in various locations across the city. The sessions will look at Chester’s heritage through themes of Romans, the River Dee and animals at Chester Zoo. Sessions are on a drop-in basis and suitable for the whole family. See here for more info.
6. Watch the Chester Midsummer Watch Parade
When: 23rd June – 24th June, 2pm
Where: Town Hall Square, Chester city centre
Some would argue this is the highlight of the festival. Chester’s Midsummer Watch Parade is one of the oldest and most colourful events in the country! With 600 years in the making and over 500 local participants, the parade is one of Chester’s most anticipated and iconic events.
Angels, devils and mythical beasts rub shoulders with Romans, St Werburgh, elephants and camels in a parade full of colour and music that dates back to the late 1400s.
7. Take a Historic Pub Tour
When: 24th June, 6:30pm
Where: The Pied Bull, 57 Northgate Street
Calling all beer lovers! Join in on a walking tour of some of Chester’s historic coaching inns and ale houses and learn about their rich history. The tour has been running for over 18 years and is hosted by members of the Campaign for Real Ale.
8. Watch the Mersey Morris Men
When: 25th June, 8:00pm
Where: Town Hall Square
Take a break from the festival activities and catch a glimpse of the Mersey Morris Men! They will be performing traditional Morris dances and entertaining the crowd as part of the heritage celebrations.
9. Tour Chester with a Roman
When: 22-30th June, various times
Where: Visitor Information Centre, Chester Town Hall
Fancy joining a Roman soldier on a journey around Chester? Visit the remains of the largest Roman fortress in Britain and its amphitheatre. Or stop by high street shops to discover what is hidden away in their basements. Armed with the latest archaeological evidence, your Roman guide will provide a 90-minute tour of Chester, which is factual and fun!
10. Stay with Base!
Okay so this one may not come for free, but we can’t be beaten on value for money. Looking for somewhere to stay in the heart of the city? View our range of serviced apartments and double rooms on City Road Chester, just a short walk from Chester train station.
We cater for families, groups and couples with our range of contemporary fully serviced apartments. Enjoy home comforts like your own kitchen and dining area, as well as a living space and TV to relax by after a long day at the festival.
Click here to check availability, or call our friendly team on 0151 702 9222 to book your #staywithBASE.
For more things to do during your visit to Chester, click here for our range of tours and attractions in Chester available to book online.
Please note: Although these tours and activities are free, many must be pre-booked in advance. For more information and to find out how to book, click here.
Categorised in: Attractions, Events, Family activities, Leisure Activities, Uncategorised