Free family fun this summer at Chester Festival of Ideas

The programme for the four-day festival, organised by the University of Chester with partners, is full of events and entertainment for all ages including plenty for children, young people and families.

Celebrating imagination, inspiration, learning, culture and the city, the calendar highlight is returning for the third time, from Thursday July 2 to Sunday July 5, with its biggest-ever line-up of more than 100 free events at venues across Chester.

People are urged to take a look at all the event details and book places on the festival website - https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk - to ensure they do not miss out.

The opportunities include:

• Thursday, July 2 - The Psychology Behind The Traitors event – a must-see for fans of The Traitors and Celebrity Traitors TV series.
• Friday, July 3 - aimed at secondary-age children, How to Feel Hopeful brings some positivity to what can seem a negative world; and, later in the day, the Royal Institution science show features fire, rockets and more.
• Saturday, July 4 - the Wild Futures drop-in afternoon has something for every age, while visitors can get creative by sharing their experiences of animals that are important to them and their family. Headline events are also on the bill, with environmentalist, Dr Mya-Rose Craig, and Greg Jenner, best known for working on the award-winning BBC TV series, Horrible Histories as its historical consultant, and for creating and hosting the BBC podcast, You're Dead To Me.
• Sunday, July 5 - people can enjoy eco art and fun with food, to close the festival in style.

Katherine Wilson, Director of Chester Festival of Ideas and Professor of Later Medieval European History at the University of Chester, said: “If you’re looking for free family-focused events to enjoy this July, check out what’s on at Chester Festival of Ideas.

“Among the activities are schools-led sessions, the chance to hear from headline guests, and the Wild Futures drop-in event on the Saturday afternoon of the festival. This provides children and young people with the opportunity to engage with experts from Reaseheath College, Chester Zoo and the University of Chester to learn more about how they can help to protect nature. Interactive stalls include owl pellet dissection, a mini scientist activity and the chance to get involved with nature at night research.

“Whether you’re inspired by science, art or history, you’re passionate about the environment, food, books, TV or technology, we’ve worked to create a festival with something for all ages and interests - we hope to see you there.”

While all events are free to attend and walk-ins are welcome, people are encouraged to book in advance at: https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk where events can be filtered by type. 

Main image:

• Top left and bottom right - the festival offers lots of chances to get creative.
• Top middle - the Royal Institution Energy LIVE! show.
• Top right - Greg Jenner.
• Bottom middle - an interactive session will explore How to Feel Hopeful.
• Bottom left: Dr Mya-Rose Craig.