By Jayia Matree
It is officially well into the month of June and into the season of outdoor fun and clear skies, and with Chester being an ever-lively city, there is a plethora of small to big events happening for locals and tourists alike to see and enjoy!
Happening right now is Chester’s Literature Festival based in Storyhouse from 12th of May to 14th of June, during this time, there will be various workshops and lectures all about storytelling and the like, brought to you by authors, poets, performers and more. Names such as Maggie O’Farrell, Celia Imrie and Hamza Yassin might pique your interest in attending this event for the chance of connecting with those with the same love for stories and reading.
But if you’re into more excitable sights, just wait until the 20th and 21st of June to watch one of Britain’s oldest parades: The Chester Midsummer Watch Parade. Tracing back to 1498, each year onward has added something new into the massive cast with participants ranging from professional performers to local school children who created their own characters to join in on the medieval parade. It is a must to come and watch the layers of history march around the modern streets of 2026.
The month of July isn’t any less lively with a weeklong celebration for neurodiversity, inclusion and the talents of those living with a disability from 6th of July to the 10th. Kaleidoscope Festival is one of the UK’s only disability pride parades, truly a one-of-a-kind event that hopes to spread kindness and raise awareness with the help of charities and businesses. With a fashion show, art/dance workshops, a gameshow and even an Award Ceremony, this festival is something to experience once in Chester’s ever welcoming culture. Although is it a true British summer without some kind of beer related event? Well Chester has that too with the Spitting Feathers Brewery Beer Festival happening on the 18th of July. Gathering the best entertainers around for it, Spitting Feathers intend to make this venue a blast for everyone with over 30 selected beers and ciders to hand pump and serve. It’s a perfect venue to gather, have fun and drink with friends and family.
August may be the last month of summer, but it doesn’t lessen the fun of the festival mood with the Deva Fest. Spanning three days from the 6th of August, fairground rides, food, parades and dances galore is a haven for active families and fun seekers all over Chester and beyond. It’s a fantastic place to mingle and simply enjoy what is offered to end the season with a bang and drink.
Chester always has something to offer throughout the year, and summer is another period where everyone can visit and see the city in its brightest colours, yet we have barely scratched the surface of what is truly being offered. Check out the official Chester.com website to see the full abundance of fun to be had.
