Successful crowdfunding campaign secures year of community heritage events

Heritage Chester CIC has announced the successful completion of its Spacehive crowdfunding campaign, raising £11,002 to deliver over 50 heritage events throughout 2026 — with 80% completely free or low-cost for the community.

The campaign attracted many backers from across the community, unlocking funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Community Innovation Fund. The funding will support a spectacular year of programming including the free Community Launch Day in Exchange Square on Saturday 23rd May, featuring BBC Gladiators 2025 winner Amanda Wah, craft workshops, community choirs and performers, bubbleologists, jesters and heritage talks and films at Chester Picturehouse.

The programme continues with Chester Heritage Festival (May–June), Summer Celebration Pop ups (July–August), Heritage Open Days (September), and Rowvember (November).

Jen McAndrew, Coordinator at Heritage Chester, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our community. Every single pledge, whether £5 or £500, has helped make this happen. Thank you all.

“This campaign has shown just how much Chester values its extraordinary 2,000-year story and wants it shared with everyone — not locked behind expensive ticket prices, but celebrated freely in our streets, squares, and historic buildings.”

Supporters shared their reasons for backing the project:

One backer commented: “Heritage Chester’s events are not just for visitors to the city but, importantly, for residents. Such events help us understand where we have come from, how we got here and where we might be going. They get us out-and-about and in the moment. They enrich our experience of our contemporary city with its long, fascinating history.”

Another supporter shared a personal memory: “My family and I came to the launch day last year and everyone had such a great time, lots of activities and we loved the heritage quiz. A big highlight was a close encounter my dad had with a Roman soldier! Looking forward to more this year.”

Others praised the accessibility of the programme: “I have really loved the fun and often even free events for people of all ages to attend throughout the year, engaging in Chester’s fantastic heritage.”

Heritage Chester’s 2025 programme reached nearly 7,000 people across Heritage Open Days alone, with visitors declaring it ‘the best Heritage Open Days yet.’ The

2026 programme aims to reach even larger audiences while generating an estimated £50,000+ in local economic activity.