There’s a packed programme of events in and around Cheshire for every taste and age group across the summer months, and we have a selection of the best to fill your diaries and days off.

Moonlight Flicks

Settle into a deckchair and become immersed with surround sound via headphones while watching a 30-foot screen, and enjoying woodfired pizzas and frozen cocktails, as Moonlight Flicks' open-air cinema finds a new home for summer 2024. Storyhouse has brought cinematic experiences to unique outdoor settings throughout the region, from the Roman Gardens to Chester Cathedral, over the past 10 years. This summer for the first time, Grosvenor Park will set the scene for movie magic under the stars. Look out for films such as Mamma Mia!, Grease, Dirty Dancing and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Various dates: July 13-August 26, Grosvenor Park, Chester, storyhouse.com/seasons/moonlight-flicks

Summer Camp 2024

Running for three long weekends in July and August, the small and intimate Summer Camp is a chance to escape; a chance to reset and recharge. It is all about slowing down, meeting new people and learning new things, with days spent in the company of world experts in nature and outdoor craft, taking part in workshops, going on expeditions and listening to inspiring talks. Dinner is included in the ticket price and is cooked by a team of exceptional chefs. Evenings will be spent together in the walled garden where there will be entertainment, a bar and campfires to gather around as the sun goes down. Best of all, there are proper beds with hot showers, offering plenty of creature comforts.

July 19-August 5, Hawarden Estate, Chester Road, Hawarden, thegoodlifesociety.co.uk/events/summer-camp-2024

Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre 2024

Grosvenor Park comes alive for seven weeks of theatre experiences, starlit movie magic, comedy gigs, music, a street food weekend, family activity days, craft beers, frozen margaritas, woodfired pizza and brisket from the barbecue. It begins with The Gangs of New York, which opens on July 19, followed by The Importance of Being Earnest, from August 9 – embark on an evening (or afternoon) of wit, charming chaos, and mistaken identities with Oscar Wilde's timeless, razor-sharp comedy. There's also a walkabout theatre experience – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – from July 27, created for under-10s who can join in an adventure show, meet a cast of captivating characters and wind back to a magical finale in the open-air theatre.

July 19 - Sept 1, Grosvenor Park, Chester, storyhouse.com/

 

Rewind

Billy Ocean, Gabrielle and Kim Wilde lead this star-studded lineup celebrating the best decade around – the '80s. Expect a weekend of iconic performances from musical legends, themed venues, pop-up performers and a friendly festival atmosphere.

August 2-4, Capesthorne Hall, Congleton Road, Siddington, capesthorne.com

Earth, Wind & Fire Experience

Built by the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire 'groove director' and guitarist Al McKay and featuring an array of top Los Angeles musicians, including former Earth Wind & Fire member Gregory Moore, this supergroup upholds the high standard of live excellence that established the original band's sound. Expect to hear timeless hits including September, Boogie Wonderland, Let’s Groove, After The Love Has Gone.

August 9, Haydock Park, thejockeyclub.co.uk

Afterglow at Chester Zoo

Wish goodnight to giraffe calf, Edie, meet snow leopards Yashin and Nubra, and spend your evening with some of the planet’s most endangered species. Chester Zoo is opening its gates after hours again, offering a chance to see the animals as they get ready for nightfall, when many of them are more active. Every ticket purchased contributes to vital conservation work here in the UK and across the world.

August 13-25, Chester Zoo, Chester, chesterzoo.org

Just So Festival

Let your imagination run wild in this outdoor adventure for children and their families. With a love of stories and childhood escapades at its heart, Just So invites families to step out of their day-to-day lives and into a wonderland of literature, art, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits together. Look out for magical midnight feasts, curious creatures, hidden retreats, top-notch food, drink and boutique camping options.

August 16-18, Rode Hall Estate, Scholar Green, Cheshire, justsofestival.org.uk

Chester Pride

Celebrate diversity and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender + community at this free event in the heart of Chester. Chester Pride started in 2013 when around 2,500 people gathered outside Chester Town Hall. Since then numbers have grown significantly with the 10th Chester Pride, in 2022, attracting more than 21,000.

August 17, Castle Square, Chester, chesterpride.co.uk

Country Roads Music Festival

Britain's fastest-growing musical genre is the star at this celebration of all things country. Across the bank holiday weekend, there will be performances from British country artists in a large marquee, complete with stage, dancefloor, DJ booth, and tables and chairs to seat 250 people, plus outdoor space available for those who prefer to sit in the open air. Camping spaces for caravans, motor homes, tents and trailer tents.

August 22-26, Tipperary, Townfield Lane, Farndon, countryroadsfest.wixsite.com/countryroadcmfest

Northgate Folk Festival

The North West's leading experimental and contemporary folk all-dayer returns. Headliners Stick In The Wheel are joined by award-winning multi-instrumentalist Nick Hart, electro-folk artist Frankie Archer, Massachusetts' enchanting Mary Elizabeth Remington and queer folk collective Goblin Band. Festivalgoers can also expect impressive dance displays from Bristol's premier drag king Molly dancing team Molly No-Mates, Kinnerton Morris Men and Clerical Error Morris Dancers.

August 24, Alexander's Live, Rufus Court, Chester, alexanderslive.seetickets.com

Cheshire Game and Country Fair

Try clay shooting, field archery and a range of airgun disciplines at this popular game and country fair. There will be lots of smaller country sports showcased in arenas and workshops, plus countryside activities and entertainment, scurry racing, horse boarding, falconry, the Stannage International Stunt Team, ferrets and fishing and a speed carving arena, where daily speed carves take place each day throughout the show.

Dogs are welcome, with plenty of chances for them to get involved.

August 25-26, Cheshire Showground, Tabley, livingheritagecountryshows.com

Cheshire Fest

Cheshire’s boutique festival has a new location – Capesthorne Hall, near Macclesfield. Artists also include Lisa Stansfield, The Brand New Heavies, Jocelyn Brown and The Shapeshifters. The event promises numerous stages, from headlining chart-toppers to emerging local talents, plus a wide selection of food and drink vendors and a celebration of community, culture, and connection.

Don't miss the wellness tent, with its 0% bar, rejuvenating juice detox, and interactive experiences.

August 31, Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, cheshirefest.co.uk

Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place

After a packed-out weekend at Tatton Park last year, the inner-happiness festival returns to Tatton Park on a weekend of inspiring, uplifting, nourishing experiences involving immersive workshops, enriching talks, delicious food and a schedule of top-tier guests and speakers. Last year saw a range of activities including breath and sleep workshops, tote bag printing, mindful embroidery workshops, astrology sessions, guided and electronic music meditations, vinyasa flow yoga classes and crystal alchemy sound baths.

August 31, Tatton Park, Knutsford, tattonpark.org.uk