Ten Cheshire festivals every family should have in their diary

The county's a great place for different generations to come together for some quality time, which is why Visit Cheshire is providing even more inspiring ideas with its new campaign Our Family Welcomes Your Family. For starters, here are 10 of the best family festivals to put in the diary...

Storyhouse Outdoors
Storyhouse is heading outdoors this summer at the Grosvenor Park Open Air village with its own beer hall-style Teepee Bar. There'll be a festival vibe to the programme, which is bursting with events such as Alice's Adventure, a storytelling trail through the park that even the dog can join in with, and Storyhouse Languages, drop-in sessions for little ones to hear stories told by Chester's Brazilian community.  
25 May-28 August, Storyhouse'

https://www.storyhouse.com/storyhouse-outdoors

Secret Sessions Festival 
Good vibes are promised at this family-friendly festival at Bolesworth Castle that puts females first. It’s all about music, movement and wellness enjoyed in safe green space. New and emerging talent headline, exercise sessions range from HIIT to laughter therapy, and there’ll be plenty of creative play for the kids, too.  
2-5 June, Bolesworth Castle.

www.secretsessions.co.uk 

Cheshire Fest Jubilee Family Day 
They’re hanging out the bunting at The Lambing Shed for a special family day to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Entertain for kids of all ages is guaranteed, with giant rainbow bubbles to chase, amazing circus performances to watch, plus thrills and spills on the dodgems at the funfair.  
5 June, The Lambing Shed.

www.cheshirefest.co.uk/jubilee-family-day 

DogFest Cheshire
Rover will be straining at the lead to get to DogFest Cheshire and try his paw at hay-bale racing and dog diving. It’s a real tail-wagger, with dog displays, a charity walk, breed meet-ups, behaviour school, and, of course, the chance to win Best Dog In Show. 
18-19 June, Tatton Park.

www.dog-fest.co.uk/cheshire 

Kidchella at Tatton Pop-Up Festival 
The pint-sized pop festival returns with stellar tribute acts of Little Mix, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift headlining. There'll be roaming entertainers, lots of fun activities, and even glitter bars – and, of course, nobody goes home without having their face painted. 
10 July and 6 August, Tatton Park.

https://tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk/artist/kidchella 

bluedot 
Big and small boffins are welcome at bluedot (pictured) for four days of cosmic fun. The Planet field, where science superheroes roam, is the place to head for mind-boggling shows and extraordinary experiments, and to learn out-of-this-world skills such as how to wield a Jedi Lightsaber. 
21-24 July, Jodrell Bank.

www.discoverthebluedot.com 

Family Funday 
They’re under starter’s orders for this summer’s Family Funday at Chester Racecourse, when the heart of the historic course transforms into a fun-filled arena for families. While the adults keep half an eye on the races going on around the outside, youngsters can enjoy PlayFest, curated by Parentfolk's festival team, which includes music tours and a roller-skating rink. 
31 July, Chester Racecourse.

www.chester-races.com/race-days/fixtures/family-funday

Deva Fest 
Pint-size grooving to Ibiza sounds at a family rave. Trips into space calling at the sun, moon and stars. Swashbuckling shenanigans with pirates. Plus fairground rides, messy play, and Europe’s largest mermaid tank... It's all going on for kids at Deva Fest this year.   
12-14 August, Chester Lakes.

https://devafest.co.uk 

Just So Festival  
Little ones’ imaginations will be unleashed at this weekend adventure from the outdoor arts events specialist Wild Rumpus. A whirl of literature, theatre, dance, music, comedy and arts and crafts takes place in the enchanting grounds of Rode Hall between breakfast and midnight feasts. 
19-21 August, Rode Hall.

https://justsofestival.org.uk 

Geronimo 
They call it Glastonbury for under-13s and on the bill this year are tween idols Sam and Mark from CBBC’s Big Friday Wind UP, street dancer Junior Frood, and singalong sensations Johnny & the Raindrops. Plus, there’ll be monster trucks, the world’s biggest bouncy castle and more.  
26-29 August, Arley Hall.

www.geronimofest.com 

Pictured - Crowd at Cheshire Fest