Chester

Weekend of Festivals!!

on this sunny bank holiday weekend-- Chester celebrated in STYLE with two wonderful and fun street festivals.

 

The NORTHGATE Quarter  Festival 

is a celebration of the historical Northgate Street and Rufus Court area. 

The festival started last year as a part of the Queens jubilee celebrations and

will  run on a series of Sundays and
 aim to provide a platform for local communities to develop their artistic expression.

The next dates  IN THE SERIES  are  four themed Sundays in July, the themes being a Choir Day, Art Installations and Literature, a Retro Day and a Traditional English Village Green 

there will be one also on  the bank holiday Sunday in August.

Highlights of the lively street fair include the numerous artists displaying their work- including on the spot portraits and scetchs.

 Music from local artists on stages on Northgate street- at Alexanders in Rufus Court and on Abbey Green. 

 There was fun for all ages - and something for eveyone.
 All the restaurants providing drinks and food  for sale 
on the street-
 a musical George and the Dragon parade and A JESTER!
A stage where the Deva Flamenco Dancers performed.

There was even a huge mural of Northgate street - placed out in the street for the for the entire community to assist in painting!

The large sheet had an outline of both sides of Northgate Street and one and all were able to stop- grab a paintbrush and help to color in the design.

you may see the wonderful mural hanging from the bridge at the next festival!

 

All of the local businesses took part in welcoming visitors to the historical Northgate Street-- The Handel's Court Gallery (located in the old butcher shop) hosted a photo-mash of old/new photographs of Northgate and Rufus Court----

One local business had a lovely stand of beautiful homemade cupcakes and cakes....served on vintage china at little tables they had set up in the street. The home based business is called KINGS ACRE and they provide tea party service at your home- or where ever you like. they provide all the decoration and lovely tea and cakes (see photo)

They can be reached at tel. 07886 559048. 

"Table ware for all occasions- Weddings,Parties,High tea- fun!

I think its very fair to say that all who attended had a lovely time - and are looking forward to the series  of upcoming events!

BROOK STREET 

also hosted their street festival on Sunday-

wonderfully loud and fun music  on two large stages- definatly attracted the crowds and encouraged dancing in the streets!! 

On what is certainly one of the most  culturally colourful streets

 in Chester- a host of nationalities and cultures were represented in the celebrations. 

The Brook Street eateries including the varied  Indian Restaurants and  Istanbul BBQ had loads of food on offer for sale outside...

 Istanbul BBQ had Turkish Dancers performing-wonderful!

Reggae Music played loudly from a Jamaican DJ outside his shop-- 

The kids were happily entertained with rides, games - anyone want to win a goldfish?- Glitter and Henna tatoos---- loads of fun for everyone!

Local business people sold their goods including some beautiful handmade jewelry and very interesting baked goods by

 Take it-Bake it (check them out on Facebook at Take it-Bake it / very cool gift ideas!)

The weather certainly had everyone out and enjoying not only the gorgeous weather but the wonderful Chester hospitality and community spirit---------- Celebrating together!

12th May 2013

The Chester 1/2 Marathon

 The Chester Half Marathon!! What a great and well attended event in our fair city!
Over 6,000 runners and just as many supporters crowed the city-- and cheered the morning away!!
Starting at the Chester Racecourse and finishing at the city centre - the runners go through  Saughall and Blacon among other local areas-- all on closed roads.
A mostly flat run --it is challenging none the less!!

 

 This was the 32nd NIKE Running Challenge in Chester....Many runners commented on the amazing reception from Chester residents many people out in the streets cheering the runners on!

The day also hosted about 500 children and families in a family run around the race course!
Many runners ran in support of charities to raise money for issues close to their hearts.
A fantastic event enjoyed by one and all-- a tribute to Chester --- and the energetic runners!!

Trains Trains Trains ........

Chester and Train Travel 

The train services from Chester are fantastic!! 

To get to Manchester or Liverpool it's a short 40 minute direct train - getting you to the center of either town. 

Manchester and Liverpool both offer fantastic shopping, theaters and great restaurants ....

Today I hopped on the train to go to Manchester Airport! Such a breeze- one quick change and I was inside the airport and at the terminal in just over an hour.

Love how easy it is! 

With visitors coming soon - in May  and June ... I will be planning train trips galore! Look out guys!

It always helps to shop for prices-- I recently started a trip to Glasgow from Liverpool instead of Chester. This lowered the ticket price considerably. 

A friendly hello too to the awesome team at Chester railway ticket center- the ticket office is open from 

5:30-11pm ( wow! ) and the service has always been wonderful!

 Smiles and lots of extra info - and advice on prices - really great!