Chester Cathedral is set to become the city’s most exciting destination this summer, with the launch of Spirit of Summer — an ambitious six-week programme of world-class art, hands-on activities, outdoor adventure, film, food, and culture, running from Saturday 25 July to Monday 31 August 2026. Bringing together some of the most compelling names in contemporary art, heritage film, and family experience, the programme offers an action-packed summer from just £5 per adult with kids going free as part of the Great British Summer Savings.

On 11 July, internationally acclaimed artist Wolfgang Weileder unveils Kiosk — a striking new installation inside the Cathedral. An architectural sculpture constructed from reclaimed wooden church pews that draws on the visual language of Islamic architecture, Kiosk is a contemplative space and a focus to explore wider issues of social inclusion, diversity and common ground in our society. It opens the summer’s conversation about the Cathedral as a space for everyone. Canon Missioner from Chester Cathedral, the Revd Canon Dr Anthony Lees-Smith says “Spirit of Summer is about opening this Cathedral up in ways people might not expect, inviting families, residents, visitors, culture-seekers and curious minds to walk through our doors and find something that surprises them. The programme is joyful, it is ambitious, and it belongs to everyone in this city.”

A summer full of highlights

The full Spirit of Summer programme includes:

• The Giant Marble Run — local artist Russell Kirk has created a bespoke 12-foot run set against a Chester backdrop, inviting visitors of all ages to send giant marbles weaving and spiralling through the city they know. Installed in the Cathedral Nave, it’s as spectacular to watch as it is to play
• The Roll Into Summer Trail — because why watch a marble when you can be one? Visitors become the marble and the Cathedral becomes the run, following a trail that winds through the building’s most extraordinary spaces. And for those who want to keep rolling, the trail doesn’t stop at the Cathedral door — it continues out into the streets of Chester itself
• Postcards from Rhyl — a photography exhibition by Stephen Clarke celebrating the North West’s seaside past, capturing the nostalgia at the heart of the summer’s themes
• North West Film Archive screenings — seaside cinema in the Chapter House, presented in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University
• Cheshire Scouts climbing wall — outdoor adventure in the Cathedral grounds
• Giant Deckchair and Games — the summer’s most Instagrammable moment, inviting visitors to relax and play in one of the city’s most extraordinary settings
• Workshops, a speaker series and twilight experiences — including marble run making, sacred spaces talks and wellbeing sessions in the Cathedral
• Spirits of Summer cocktail trail — a city-wide trail across Chester’s best bars and restaurants

Spirit of Summer doesn’t stop at the Cathedral door. A city-wide trail takes visitors to ten Chester locations, while the Spirits of Summer cocktail trail invites you to discover the city’s best bars and restaurants. Wherever you go this summer, Chester Cathedral is part of the story.

Spirit of Summer opens its doors to everyone on Saturday 25 July, with activities, installations and experiences running right through to Monday 31 August. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a moment of calm, a cultural fix or just something a little unexpected, there’s something here for you. “This summer we’re asking people to see Chester Cathedral differently. Come for a marble run, stay for a trip to the seaside through film. Come for a coffee and find yourself in the middle of a world-class art installation. There’s something here for everyone!” Adds Canon Anthony.

To stay up to date with everything happening this summer, visit chestercathedral.com/summer