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As we welcome in the new year, it’s time to embrace all things new: new experiences, events, food and drink, places to explore, and much more. Although the chilly winter months can keep us inside, all the goings-on across Cheshire are a real incentive to explore what’s on offer and kickstart your new year. This could be experiencing brand-new openings in Cheshire, or simply trying out something new to you. Whether getting out and about this January or planning for the year ahead, we’re bringing you some of our top picks for what to look out for this year.
1. New year, new market
After opening in November to much excitement, Chester’s new market has quickly become a staple of the city, attracting thousands of visitors each week. It’s an exciting, vibrant space which blends the traditional and modern with both produce and retail vendors alongside independent (and extremely tasty) food and drink outlets. The market can only get bigger and better as more traders open, and the surrounding Exchange Square is filled with new prospects including craft beer stalwarts Brewdog - which is set to open soon.
2. Become lord or lady of The Manor
Cheshire hotel and restaurant family Nelson Hotels, whose properties include The Pheasant Inn, The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, The Bear’s Paw, and the Fishpool Inn will be adding a fifth venue to their already exquisite portfolio. The Manor at Greasby, the Wirral, is set to become a charming gastropub that can accommodate up to 160 diners. The site also boasts a luxurious wedding barn for celebrations of up to 80 guests. It’s an ambitious project that has seen the luxurious renovation of a 17th century building that combines local heritage with contemporary hospitality, quality dining and a lush events space.
3. (Re)discover The Rows
Chester’s historic and mysterious Rows are experiencing a renaissance. The unique structures are part of Historic England’s ambitious Heritage Action Zones project, which seeks to breathe new life into Britain’s historic high streets. This year, until 30 April, the Grosvenor Museum is hosting On Another Level: Exploring the Unique Rows of Chester: a fascinating exhibition which explores the development, appearance and use of the Rows from their first mention to the present day, drawing heavily on historical and archaeological research as well as art. Plus, there are new ways to explore the Rows like the free family-friendly Rows Time Travelling Treasure Hunt trail that encourages kids to find hidden clues on the Rows and is a perfect compliment to the Discover the Rows walking audio tour. To find out more go to visitchester.com/rows
4. 2023: A Space Carnival
The ever-iconic Jodrell Bank will be the place to be in 2023. Their beloved family friendly music, art and science festival, bluedot, returns from 20-23 July with a brand new theme and brand new attractions. This year’s bluedot promises to be a ‘Space Carnival’ with creativity, learning and partying at its heart. The festival will be opened by a live orchestral performance from Max Richter beneath the Lovell Telescope, with the full line-up to be announced soon. To add to the excitement, this year marks the first anniversary of the First Light Pavilion, so expect a stellar celebration of this fascinating project.
5. See the North Light
Visitors and residents in Chester may be curious as to what’s happening at the entrance to the new Exchange Square. This huge site has been confirmed as the location for the New World Trading Company’s latest, Chester-specific venture: The North Light. This restaurant and bar concept is designed around Chester and promises to support the local creative scene by showcasing up-and-coming artists as well as spotlighting the city’s rich heritage.
6. Celebrate 180 years of Cheshire railway history
Crewe Heritage Centre are marking a major milestone this year celebrating the 180th anniversary of the Railway Engineering Works. Once the national centre for railway engineering, Crewe remains a major player in the field with manufacturers like Alstom. The exhibition, which will run from July through September will look back through Crewe’s key role in the nation’s transport and industrial heritage.
7. Silky skills in Macclesfield
A new year is always a time to try something new. Luckily Macclesfield’s Silk Museum is seizing 2023 as the year to get creative. The museum and heritage centre are presenting a wide range of creative workshops this month for anyone to try including poetry, sustainable gift wrapping, concertina book making, and painting. Find out more at macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk/whats-on
8. Celebrate all things Cheshire
On 30th March it will once again be time to celebrate all things Cheshire with Cheshire Day. Last year saw residents and businesses across the county sharing what they love about Cheshire. This year promises to be an even bigger and better celebration and a real opportunity to embrace everything we love about our county. You can find out about this year’s celebration at visitcheshire.com/cheshire-day
9. See the ponies for less than a pony
From 10 May the racing season at Chester’s historic Roodee will begin again. The oldest functioning racecourse in the world will host the Boodles May Festival, which is always a firm favourite. The racecourse has also announced a new pricing structure with entry starting at just £10. This will apply to all 2023 fixtures, giving guests a great value day out.
10. Embrace Warrington’s cultural scene
Warrington is providing plenty to look forward to this year with a stellar line-up of culture courtesy of Culture Warrington. At both Pyramid and Parr Hall there’s an exciting calendar of performances from big names including Vinnie Jones and Paul Gascoigne, Dara O’Briain, and astronaut Tim Peake. These events compliment the town’s thriving arts calendar with exhibitions at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and Pyramid from artists like Jasmir Creed, John Mcleod, and Sarah Harris. You can find out more at culturewarrington.org/whats-on
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11. Experience the sounds of the forest
Returning from 15-18 June, Forest Live is a unique experience for music lovers and certainly one to try if you haven’t already. The forest becomes a stadium as world-class acts come to Delamere to perform under the stars. This year singer songwriter Jack Savoretti will be joined by Natalie Imbruglia on Saturday 17 June, ska legends Madness are confirmed for Thursday 15 June, chart-topper Tom Grennan will be performing on Friday 16 June, and The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft is set to play onSunday 18 June. These concerts sell out fast and tickets are on sale now at forestryengland.uk/music
12. Hope for more than nil poi
The world will be watching as the 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest comes to Liverpool in May. Chester and Cheshire are in prime position to join in the festivities with our easy transport links to the host city. And it won’t just be Liverpool celebrating; businesses across the county are already preparing for the occasion and there is sure to be a host of events surrounding the contest in Cheshire.
13. Enjoy a celebration fit for a king
Cheshire has a long regal history, and with the upcoming King’s Coronation on 6 May, Cheshire will be taking part in the national celebration. Although details are yet to be revealed, visitors and residents can expect a host of events and activities throughout the county to mark the occasion.
14. Embrace the written word in Frodsham
The picturesque town of Frodsham will be welcoming back the much-loved Weaver Words Festival from 3-7 May. This will be the first full edition of the literary festival since the pandemic and guest performers and speakers include Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and Mersey TV drama legend, Sir Phil Redmond (creator of Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks). The festival will include a host of creative writing workshops, a literary cruise, a seminar on the Poet R.S. Thomas, an audience with Calendar Girls writer Tim Firth and much more. You can keep up to date with the festival at weaverwords.org.uk/
15. See the best stories on stage
Chester’s cultural hub Storyhouse have an exciting year ahead. The stage calendar is already full of exciting events including a new original production: FAUSTUS: That Damned Woman, which is an exciting reimagining of the legend of Faust. Other highlights include performances of the Laurence Olivier Award winning, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), shows from the English Touring Opera, and a 50th anniversary celebration of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells with a live band performing the seminal record. You can explore the full calendar at storyhouse.com/guide/whats-on
16. Party in the pews
Cheshire music mecca Macclesfield is playing host to a number of concerts and festivals in 2023. Amongst the town’s exciting events this year is the return of Party in the Pews at the Grade II-listed Christ Church. This year there are some big names on the bill including The Futureheads, Badly Drawn Boy, and local legend Mark Radcliffe presenting his electronic project UNE.
17. Find a luxury hideaway in Blakemere
Opening their doors late last year, Blakemere Hideaways is a brand-new luxury 5* glamping retreat nestled within a hidden clearing, consisting of 9 small and 3 larger lodges all with ensuite bathrooms and private hot tubs on their decked gardens. For those who want to get out into the great outdoors but still retain a lot of luxury, these lodges could be a perfect escape this year.
18. Find your Happy Place
The new year is a good time to take stock and focus on health and wellbeing, both physical and mental. With this in mind, Tatton Park will be welcoming back Fearne Cotton’s hugely popular Happy Place wellness festival from 2-3 September. The festival promises to help you unwind and unlock your inner happiness with a weekend of inspiring and uplifting experiences involving immersive workshops, enriching talks, food and drink, and a schedule of top-tier guests and speakers.
19. Get married in the Zoo (!?)
Chester Zoo is always embracing the new, whether this is new species, new arrivals, or new events and experiences. This spring will see the opening of The Square: a brand-new wedding and events space. Situated at the Grade II listed stable block that was once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears and chimpanzees, this could be the perfectly unique venue for your event this year.
20. Beat the January blues by walking an Alpaca!
Walton Hall and Gardens are offering a unique remedy to the January blues with their beloved alpaca walks. Alpacas are popular as therapy animals and a walk with these furry South Americans can be a great way to relax. Take in the beautiful Cheshire estate while enjoying the company of Walton’s resident alpacas Mally, Jim and Topaz.
21. Say hello (again) to Chef’s Table
One of Chester’s best restaurants is making a welcome return to the city. Chef’s Table, who are currently running a pop up on Music Hall Passage, will be opening their much larger new premises on Pepper Street this year. The AA Rosette and Michelin Guide accoladed restaurant will be once again serving their local produce focussed, seasonal menus to residents and visitors alike. Stay up to date with the new site’s progress at chefstablechester.co.uk
22. Start the new year right with a spa day
After the stresses and strains of the festive season, you may need to refresh. 2023 is a perfect opportunity to do some much-needed self-care and indulge in a spa day or stay. Cheshire is luckily home to some of the best spas in the country including Carden Park, Champneys Mottram Hall, The Chester Grosvenor, and many more. Explore Cheshire’s spas here
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23. Get outdoors and enjoy the Cheshire countryside
We here in Cheshire are lucky to have some of the best countryside and forestry around. This year it’s time to get out and explore the beauty on your doorstep. From the outstandingly beautiful Sandstone Ridge and Delamere Forest to the Cheshire Peaks and the sprawling plain, make some time this year to embrace Cheshire’s gorgeous outdoors.
There’s much more than 23 things to do this year, so make sure to come back for all your Chester and Cheshire inspiration for 2023 and beyond.
Related
From world foods to locally sourced produce, Chester Market is proud to bring you an array of independent traders.
The Grosvenor Museum is full of surprises which tell the stories of Cheshire from pre-history to the 20th century.
Join our circular journey through an urban landscape that is unique in the world.
Chester is under threat from the Time Watchers, a mysterious society of time travellers who hide in pockets of time.
Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction.
A celebration of Crewe's rail heritage, includes model and miniature railways.
Join an Up Close Tour of the Silk Museum where our expert guides look at all aspects of Mill life and silk production, the inspiring Pattern Books and the beauty of the textiles to the global phenomenon of silk.
Chester Racecourse is the oldest Racecourse in Britain & the oldest in the world still in operation.
Nestled in the heart of Warrington’s Cultural Quarter, the Pyramid and Parr Hall are two of the North West’s premier performance, arts and entertainment venues.
Situated in a charming, Grade II listed building, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is a hidden gem.
Jack Savoretti is the first artist to announce dates as part of Forest Live 2023, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.
Following on from sold-out Forest Live 2022 performances, Madness have announced dates for 2023 as part of the annual concert series presented by Forestry England.
Richard Ashcroft has announced a very special home-forest gig as part of Forest Live 2023, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.
Tom Grennan has announced dates as part of Forest Live 2023, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England.
Storyhouse is Chester’s multi award-winning £37m theatre, library, restaurant and cinema.
Happy Place returns to Tatton Park for a weekend of inspiring, uplifting, nourishing experiences involving a rich tapestry of immersive workshops, enriching talks, delicious food and a schedule of top-tier guests and speakers
A visit to Cheshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UK’s number one zoo. Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens.
Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is Walton Hall and Gardens – the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury.
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