Two of the biggest events of the year land this weekend – the Neighbourhood Weekender takes over Victoria Park in Warrington, whilst the Chester Folk Festival kicks off a four-day Bank Holiday celebration in Kelsall. Whether you’re dancing in a field or wandering a private garden in the Cheshire sunshine, this is one of those weekends that does the county proud.
Let’s dive in!
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🎉 What’s On In Cheshire
🗓️ Fri · 22 May
⭐ Editor's Pick
🎹 The Human League Live – with ABC
Fri 22 May, 5pm-10:30pm, Victoria Park, Warrington WA4 1DQ
The legendary synth-pop icons bring their summer outdoor show to Victoria Park, joined by fellow 80s greats ABC. Don’t You Want Me, Human, Being Boiled – a proper Friday night under the sky.
👉 Details
🏛️ Chester Heritage Festival – Opens with Talking Chester
Fri 22 May (festival runs to Sun 7 Jun), Storyhouse, Chester (FREE)
The festival launches with Talking Chester – a free, day-long programme of expert talks at Storyhouse exploring Chester’s remarkable 2,000-year story. Walks, films, workshops, a heritage cruise and much more follow across the two-week festival. Full programme at the link.
👉 Details
🎵 The Music of Westlife by Candlelight
Fri 22 May, Chester Cathedral, St Werburgh Street, Chester
World-class vocalists and a full live band perform Westlife’s biggest hits – Flying Without Wings, Uptown Girl, World of Our Own, Against All Odds – by candlelight in one of England’s most spectacular Gothic cathedrals. Dancing in the aisles is, apparently, mandatory.
👉 Details
🎤 Dan Budd as Robbie Williams & Jon Fisher as Gary Barlow
Fri 22 May, 7pm, The Arena, 39 High Street, Crewe CW2 7BL
The ultimate pop showdown – two of the UK’s finest tribute performers bring the charisma of Robbie and the songcraft of Gary Barlow to one stage in Crewe. Angels, Feel, Back for Good, Never Forget – all the hits, no filler.
👉 Details
🗓️ Sat · 23 May
⭐ Editor's Pick
🎶 Neighbourhood Weekender – Day One
Sat 23 May, gates 12pm, Victoria Park, Warrington
Richard Ashcroft headlines Saturday with Kaiser Chiefs, The K’s, Example, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Cast, Cassia and many more across multiple stages. No camping – day festival format, bring a blanket and get there early. One of the best line-ups the North West has seen this year.
👉 Details
🎵 Chester Folk Festival – Day Two
Sat 23 May, Kelsall village, near Chester
Workshops run from morning – tune sessions for beginners and intermediates with Tuneworks, singing with Close Quarters, French dance and tunes with Rondez Vous, and morris workshops throughout the day. Evening concerts and ceilidh in the main venue.
👉 Details
🏛️ Chester Heritage Festival – Community Launch Day
Sat 23 May, 11am-4pm, Exchange Square, Chester (FREE)
The spectacular free launch day in Exchange Square – jesters, bubbleologists, a mechanical organ, stained glass crafting, henna art, community choirs, puppet shows, and BBC Gladiators 2025 winner Amanda Wah leading gladiator fitness sessions. Heritage talks and films at Chester Picturehouse running alongside. A proper free family festival in the city centre.
👉 Details
🔭 May Half Term at Jodrell Bank
Sat 23 May-Sun 31 May, 10am-5pm, Jodrell Bank Observatory, Macclesfield SK11 9DL
Hands-on activities from the brand new Curious Universe series – quantum shadow theatre, bubble experiments, a Solar System passport trail, constellation-themed play areas, and outdoor talks about the iconic Lovell Telescope, plus new Space Dome shows!
👉 Details
🚂 Mini Off-Rovers Junior Woodland Rangers – Tatton Park
Sat 23 May-Sun 24 May, 10am-5pm, Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG
Children get behind the wheel of a real Mini Land Rover for a guided woodland driving experience at Tatton Park. One of the most popular half-term activities on the estate – book ahead.
👉 Details
🐝 May Half Term: Buzzy Bee Spotter Trail – Little Moreton Hall
Sat 23 May-Sun 31 May, Little Moreton Hall, Congleton CW12 4SD
Follow the Buzzy Bee trail through the grounds of one of England’s finest Tudor buildings – explore the gardens and learn how important bees are to our world. Included with admission.
👉 Details
🌱 Hoole Allotments Charity Plant Sale
Sat 23 May, 9:30am-12pm, Hoole Allotments, Panton Road, Chester (FREE)
One of the last Saturdays of the season for this community plant sale – fresh plants and veg, all in aid of charity.
👉 Details
🌿 Mount Pleasant, Kelsall – NGS Open Garden
Sat 23 May, Yeld Lane, Kelsall CW6 0TB
A 10-acre garden with impressive landscaped grounds, woodland and a sculpture trail – and sitting right in Kelsall village on the folk festival’s doorstep. Conveniently perfect timing if you’re heading to CFF this weekend.
👉 Details
🗓️ Sun · 24 May
⭐ Editor's Pick
🚙 Smallwood Vintage Rally
Sat 23 May-Mon 25 May, Smallwood Village, near Sandbach, CW11 2XD
A full three-day vintage rally in the heart of rural Cheshire – steam engines, classic cars, tractors, motorbikes, tractor pulling, lawnmower racing, falconry, the Bolddog FMX Stunt Show, Rockabilly Dolls, Flat Caps & Ferrets, and camping available. Weekend or day tickets.
👉 Details
🎶 Neighbourhood Weekender – Day Two
Sun 24 May, gates 12pm, Victoria Park, Warrington
Blossoms headline Sunday alongside DMA’s, Jamie Webster, Shed Seven, Razorlight, Melanie C, The Fratellis, The Royston Club and more. An extraordinary Sunday bill. Tickets still available for the day.
👉 Details
🎵 Chester Folk Festival – Day Three
Sun 24 May, Kelsall village, near Chester
Folk Threads dementia-friendly workshop with Virginia Kettle, plus dance workshops with Martyn Harvey.
👉 Details
🦁 Steve Backshall Live at Chester Zoo
Sat 23 May-Sun 31 May, 11:30am/1pm/2:30pm/4pm daily, Chester Zoo
The award-winning wildlife presenter brings a brand new live stage show to Chester Zoo for half term – exploring sharks from their ancient origins to real-life encounters. Book in advance.
👉 Details
🚗 Cheshire Classic Car, Motorcycle & Jaguar Day
Sun 24 May, 10am-5pm, Capesthorne Hall, Siddington, Macclesfield SK11 9JY
Hundreds of classic cars, motorcycles and Jaguars at one of Cheshire’s finest Georgian halls – trade stalls, food, and the spectacular parkland setting of Capesthorne as the backdrop. Returns Monday 25 May for a Mercedes Day.
👉 Details
⚽ Ellesmere Port Football: Our Heritage
Sun 24 May, 10am-4pm, National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Celebrating 140 years of football in Ellesmere Port – a heritage exhibition showcasing the town’s proud tradition of the beautiful game, hosted in one of Cheshire’s most spectacular waterside venues.
👉 Details
🏎️ Crewe Krazy Races – Soapbox Derby
Sun 24 May, Crewe town centre (FREE to spectate)
Wacky home-built soapbox karts hurtling downhill through the streets of Crewe – more than 20 decorated teams, thousands of cheering spectators and brilliant family chaos. One of Cheshire’s best-loved free days out.
👉 Details
🌿 The Old Parsonage, Arley Green – NGS Open Garden
Sun 24 May & Mon 25 May, Back Lane, Arley Green, Northwich CW9 6LZ
Part of the Arley Estate – a two-acre garden with ancient yew hedges and cascading white wisteria. One of the most atmospheric NGS openings in Cheshire and perfectly timed for the Bank Holiday weekend. Refreshments on site.
👉 Details
🗓️ REST OF THE WEEK
⚔️ Gladiator School – Grosvenor Museum
Mon 25 May, 1pm-2pm, Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester (FREE)
Find out what it’s really like to be a gladiator – train, fight and survive the arena in this free hands-on session for children aged 5 and up. No experience needed.
👉 Details
🚗 Capesthorne Classic Car & Mercedes Day
Mon 25 May, 10am-5pm, Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield SK11 9JY
Bank Holiday Monday at Capesthorne – same stunning setting, this time with a Mercedes focus alongside the wider classic car and motorcycle display.
👉 Details
🏹 Junior Longbow – Tatton Park
Tue 26 May, Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG
Become a medieval archer and learn how to shoot the English longbow in this hands-on immersive workshop at Tatton Park. Perfect for half-term.
👉 Details
🍺 Knutsford Beer Festival
Thu 28 May-Sat 30 May, Grounds of Egerton Primary School, Knutsford
Three days, 45+ beers on tap plus cider, gin and wine – live music, tasting masterclasses and new features for 2026, all in the grounds of a beautiful Knutsford venue. Advance tickets required.
👉 Details
🎵 Swing High Tea at Bents Garden & Home
Thu 28 May, 5:30pm-7:30pm, Caffe Nel Verde, Bents Garden & Home, Warrington
A beautifully curated afternoon tea with a live trio of swing singers – sandwiches, scones, cakes and big band classics in the setting of Cheshire’s most iconic garden centre.
👉 Details
🧺 LOCAL CRAFT MARKETS
🗓️ DATES FOR THE DIARY
Royal Cheshire County Show – Tue 16-Wed 17 Jun | 👉 Details
Kelsall Steam & Vintage Rally – (25th Anniversary) – Sat 20-Sun 21 Jun | 👉 Details
Bridgemere Show Gardens Food Festival – Sat 27-Sun 28 Jun | 👉 Details
NMC Live in the Park 2026 (Arley Hall, Cheshire) – 11 July | 👉 Details
Forest Live: UB40 – Fri 12 Jun | Delamere Forest 👉 Details
Forest Live: The Kooks – Wed 17 Jun | Delamere Forest 👉 Details
💎 Hidden Gem: Parkgate & the Dee Estuary
Parkgate is one of Britain’s most quietly extraordinary places. It was once a thriving Georgian port…then the sea left. The silting of the Dee estuary over the 18th and 19th centuries gradually buried the beach beneath salt marsh, and Parkgate found itself a seaside resort with no sea. What it has instead is arguably better.
The broad view from The Parade across to the Welsh hills is spectacular in any light, but it’s the marsh itself that makes this place special. The RSPB reserve stretching out from the old sea wall is alive with birdlife – curlew, oystercatcher, hen harrier, short-eared owl, marsh harrier and skylarks rising above the reed beds.
At high tide, when the water occasionally pushes all the way to the sea wall, the whole estuary fills and the birds are displaced onto the promenade in extraordinary numbers. Check tide times before you go and try to time your visit around a high tide if you can.
The walk itself is simple and flat – head north along The Parade, follow the sea wall path past The Boathouse pub and along the Heswall shore, then loop back through fields and the old Wirral Way railway line into Gayton, returning via the marsh path. Around 3.5 miles in total, easy underfoot, and stunning throughout.
End with a cone from Nicholls Ice Cream on The Parade – they’ve been serving from the same spot since 1937, and on a warm May evening, the queue stretches down the promenade. It’s worth every minute of the wait.
Practical bits:
Location: The Parade, Parkgate, Neston, CH64 6SS
Getting there: Off the B5135 south of Neston. The nearest train station is Neston (Merseyrail), about 15 minutes’ walk
Distance: 3-3.5 miles circular
Terrain: Flat throughout – promenade, sea wall path and field paths. Very accessible
Dogs: Welcome throughout and at The Boathouse
The stop: Nicholls Ice Cream, The Parade, Parkgate | The Boathouse pub, The Parade, Parkgate
🔗 Walk route PDF
🔗 RSPB Dee Estuary – Parkgate
That’s it for this week.
