Guests gathered at the Town Hall this week the latest round up of upcoming Autumn and Winter events in the city and beyond. The event was chaired by Coin Potts of Destination Chester.

Liam Hartzenberg head of Marketing at Marketing Cheshire spoke about the organisation’s mission to encourage people to stay longer, do more and spend more. In July Chester hosted a Media Getaway which gathered 90 travel writers, bloggers and influencers from across the world for a 3 day event promoting Chester. The new Halloween campaign focuses on phantoms and folklore, before shifting to “Christmas magic”

Ice cream Farm– 2025 visitor attraction of the year- Autumn events include World of Wizardy, and a sold out fireworks event . Christmas events include a SEND friendly Santa’s grotto.

Award winning Restaurant 209 in Farndon run by husband and wife team Felix Shore and Anna Roseblade Shore spoke about their menu which focuses on sustainable locally sourced produce. The business has a close connection with the Westminster estate which supplies duck and venison.

Colin introduced Abba Cakes– a Hoylake based business recently voted “Best cake in Britain” and expanding to Chester. The new cake shop opened on Saturday on Lower bridge street.

Chester Cathedral highlighted their ever popular Christmas Tree Festival ( 80 trees) as well as a children’s trail around the cloisters. Other events include brunch/ afternoon tea with Santa and the annual carol service.

Gerald Tatum spoke about Chester Ghost Tours; “Just think of all the dark things that have happened here in 2000 years” and encouraged people to come on one of the tours, listen to the guides and make their own minds up about ghosts.

Heritage Chester represented by Jen McAndrew highlighted the upcoming Rowvember event, now in its second year. The event will feature tours, pop up performances, spotlights on businesses, choirs, dance and theatre. The group are also looking for business sponsors for the May 2026 Heritage Festival.

Liz Montgomery of the Grosvenor Museum spoke about the ongoing Gladiators of Britain exhibition. The exhibition features world class exhibits and has taken 2 years to organise in conjunction with the British Museum. There will be a series of events running in conjunction with the exhibition including talks and a visit from one of the stars of TV’s Gladiators.

Colin Potts spoke about the city’s parade season across November and December which include:

• 12 Days of Christmas Parade: 20th November 7pm
• Lanterns Parade: 27th November 7pm
• Winter Watch Parade: 4th December 7pm
• Saturnalia Parade: 11th December 7pm

The Christmas Market runs 19 Nov to 22 Dec with 80 stalls including 11 new traders.

Chester BID spoke about their Christmas plans, as outlined here :

Other speakers included :

Chester Town Hall– Santa’s Grotto will return this year. The venue is available for hire

Hole in Wand- many events including Villains Unleashed over half term. The venue reopened in May after a flood.

Storyhouse– The Wayword festival takes place over half term and the full Christmas programme will be published on the 7th November. Beauty and the Beast opens on the 5th December.

Lockwood and Co– the operators of Rooftop Social said the venue will receive an Alpine makeover. Guests were also enouraged to visit the Cabinet Club above

The Littler Places– artist Julie spoke about her colourful art and giftware and her collaborations with many local businesses as well as personalisation options.

Escapism – offering Christmas parties and 2 new rooms opening in November.

Bar Lounge spoke about their events programme and their celebration of their 25th anniversary working with many local charities. Autumn./winter menu launches soon.