If you are looking for something different to do over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the Cheshire & North Wales Food & Drink Festival 2026 gives you a full three days of food, entertainment and family-friendly activities in one place. Taking place from Friday 3 April to Sunday 5 April 2026 at Chester Racecourse, the event combines local food and drink with live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and plenty to keep children busy.
Whether you plan to visit for a few hours or make a full day of it, the festival is designed to give you a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend the Easter weekend.
A new look for 2026
The festival has a new name and a fresh feel this year. It replaces the long-running Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival and focuses even more on producers and traders from across Cheshire and North Wales.
If you have visited in previous years, you can still expect the same welcoming atmosphere, but the organisers are aiming to make the event bigger and more varied. There will be more space for local independent businesses, along with an improved layout to make it easier for you to explore everything on offer.
The event takes place across the entire racecourse site, so you can take your time wandering between food stalls, demonstrations and entertainment areas without feeling rushed.
Food and drink from across the region
One of the main reasons to visit is the wide selection of food and drink available. You can expect to find local producers, street-food traders and independent businesses from across Cheshire, North Wales and the wider North West.
This means you can try something new while also supporting small regional businesses. From savoury street food to sweet treats and artisan products, the focus is on giving you plenty of choice in one place. The festival is also designed to help you discover new favourites, whether that is a local drink producer or a food stall you have not tried before.
If you enjoy browsing as well as eating, there will also be retailer stalls where you can buy products to take home.
Cooking classes and chef demonstrations
If you would like something a little more interactive, the festival also includes cooking classes and live chef demonstrations throughout the weekend. These are suitable for both adults and children, so you can join in as a family or simply watch and pick up a few ideas to try at home.
The cooking sessions are designed to be relaxed and accessible rather than formal, which makes them a good option if you want to try something different without needing any previous experience. Watching live demonstrations is also a good way to take a break from walking around while still enjoying the atmosphere of the festival.
Live music and family entertainment
Although the event focuses on food and drink, there is plenty more to see and do throughout the three days. You can expect live music performances, entertainment stages and activities designed for visitors of all ages.
If you are visiting with children, there will also be a dedicated kids’ zone and family-friendly entertainment, making it easy to turn the visit into a full day out. The aim is to create a relaxed festival atmosphere where you can enjoy food, music and activities without needing to plan too much in advance.
There will also be a funfair and additional attractions across the site, which means younger visitors can stay entertained while you explore the food stalls or watch a demonstration.
Tickets and planning your visit
Day tickets are priced to make the festival accessible if you are planning a family day out. Adult day tickets start from £10, children’s tickets are £5 and children under five can attend for free. You can book tickets on the official website here.
Because the event takes place over the Easter Bank Holiday, it is worth planning your visit in advance if you want to avoid the busiest times.
A relaxed Easter weekend option
Overall, the Cheshire & North Wales Food & Drink Festival 2026 gives you a memorable way to spend time with family or friends over the Easter weekend. With food, live entertainment, cooking activities and family attractions all in one place, it offers something different from the usual Easter events.
If you’re visiting Chester for the Cheshire & North Wales Food & Drink Festival 2026, you’ll want to book your hotel stay early. Here at the Hotel Chester, our luxury aparthotel is perfect for individuals, couples, families and groups. Our apartments are all high quality, offering boutique luxury. Why not get in touch today to find out more?