Alumni Reunion

graduating students sitting in rows in Chester Cathedral at a graduation ceremony . View of the backs of their caps and gowns

Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026

Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026

Exton Park, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ

We are delighted to invite all former students to return to Chester for our Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026.

Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends, revisiting familiar places or simply curious to see how the University has changed, we would love to welcome you back to campus.

The weekend is designed to be informal and flexible. You can attend for the full event or join us for part of the programme.

Friday will be the main day of activity, with a structured programme led by the Alumni team. 

The rest of the weekend provides an opportunity to spend time on our Exton Park site, and in Chester at your own pace, without a formal programme.

Programme overview

Thursday 10th September

  • Optional overnight accommodation available for early arrivals

Friday 11th September – Alumni Team Present

  • Breakfast (for overnight guests): 8:00am – 10:00am
  • Registration (Senate House): 10:00am – 11:30am
  • Exhibition of Alumni Archive items: 10:00am – 4:00pm
  • Welcome from the Alumni Team: 11:45am
  • (Optional) Chapel Service: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
  • Afternoon Tea: from 1:00pm
  • Vice-Chancellor and student presentation: 2:30pm
  • Campus tour (including new facilities): 3:00pm
  • Free time: from 4:00pm

Friday Evening

  • Buffet in the dining hall: from approx. 6:00pm
  • Bar open (CSU Bar): 5:00pm – midnight

Overnight accommodation available.

Saturday 12th September – Free Time

There is no formal programme on Saturday, giving you the flexibility to spend the day as you wish.

  • Breakfast (for overnight guests): 8:00am – 10:00am
  • Time to explore Chester or revisit campus independently (*Some buildings may be inaccessible without Alumni staff present)

Saturday Evening

  • Three-course evening meal
  • Bar open: 5:00pm – midnight

Overnight accommodation available.

Sunday 13th September

  • Breakfast (for overnight guests): 8:00am – 10:00am
  • Check-out (approx. 10:30am)

Reunion Costs

Most of the weekend programme, including talks, tours and access to campus, is free to attend.

Accommodation and catering are booked as part of a package and are chargeable. This includes:

  • Overnight accommodation
  • Friday evening buffet
  • Saturday afternoon tea
  • Saturday evening meal

A range of packages are available depending on how much of the weekend you would like to attend. When booking, you will also have the opportunity to include any dietary or accessibility requirements so that arrangements can be made in advance.

The full list and details of options and pricing can be found on the booking page.

How Do I Book?

Bookings for the Alumni Reunion Weekend can be done via the University’s online Storefront.

Through Storefront, you will be able to:

  • Select your preferred package
  • Book accommodation and catering together
  • Provide details for yourself and any guests
  • Submit dietary and accessibility requirements

Booking deadline: [INSERT DATE]

Places are limited and accommodation will served on a first-come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our 2026 Alumni Reunion weekend is open to:

  • All University of Chester Alumni
  • Guests attending with alumni

We warmly welcome attendees from all years and courses.

No, you do not need to attend the full weekend.

You are welcome to join for parts of the programme. Friday is the main day of activity, but you can attend the weekend in a way that suits your plans.

Accommodation will be available on campus in:

  • Grosvenor (single and double rooms)
  • Astbury and Fisher (single rooms only)

We will be offering a range of packages, including:

  • Full weekend stays (Friday to Sunday)
  • Thursday night accommodation options for early arrivals
  • Friday night accommodation options
  • Saturday-only attendance
  • Food-only packages for those not staying on campus

All accommodation and catering is booked as part of a package.

Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis and availability is limited. A small number of accessible rooms are available and this can be indicated on the booking form. 

Depending on your booking, the weekend may include:

  • On-campus accommodation
  • Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
  • Friday evening buffet
  • Saturday afternoon tea
  • Saturday evening meal

Full details of packages and pricing are available on the booking page.

Most of the programme, including talks, tours and access to campus, is free to attend.

Accommodation and catering are chargeable add-ons and must be booked as part of a package.

Bookings for the Alumni Reunion Weekend can be made via the University’s online Storefront.

Through Storefront, you will be able to:

  • Select your preferred package
  • Book accommodation and catering together
  • Provide details for yourself and any guests
  • Submit dietary and accessibility requirements

Booking deadline: [INSERT DATE]

Places are limited and accommodation will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred option.

Yes, guests are welcome to attend with Alumni.

Please include their details when completing your booking.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the Alumni Reunion Weekend, please contact the Alumni Team:

Email: alumni@chester.ac.uk 

We look forward to welcoming you back to Chester.