Chester
Awakes
Immerse yourself in 2,000 years of history at Chester Heritage Festival.
Chester Heritage Festival 2026 is here!
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From 23rd May to 7th June, Chester comes alive with a celebration of our rich and remarkable history. The programme is now live — and there's so much to discover.
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This year we're thrilled to welcome BBC Gladiators 2025 winner, Amanda Wah, and Sunday Times bestselling author Ben Kane to the festival, alongside brilliant new additions like Pavementology with David Southern — a performance born at the Edinburgh Fringe that turns the stories beneath your feet into something unforgettable — and a Roman Virtual Reality experience that brings Chester's ancient past to life like never before.
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Whether you want to explore the city's enchanting past, uncover hidden histories, or find a free, engaging day out that sparks the imagination for all the family, this year's festival has something for everyone. Browse the line-up and start planning your visit today.
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Chester Heritage Festival Partners
