Cheshire nature festival to celebrate 10th anniversary with biggest event yet

A free festival celebrating Cheshire’s wildlife and helping people connect to nature is returning for its 10th anniversary – and organisers say it will be their biggest event yet.

Nature Fest will take place at Chester Zoo’s nature reserve on September 12 and 13, with around 4,000 people expected to attend across the weekend.

The 2026 festival will explore the relationship between nature and wellbeing, with new activities designed to help festivalgoers to experience the benefits of connecting with the natural world.

Visitors can take part in animal yoga sessions, relax in a zen den and explore an interactive nature adventure based around the five pathways to nature connection, traveling along tunnels and through a tree along the way.

There will also be live music, puppetry, crafts, workshops and talks, alongside opportunities to discover how conservationists work to protect wildlife. 

Jenny Mutch, Head of Conservation Education & Engagement, said:

“Nature Fest started as a small gathering ten years ago, and now it has become something much bigger. For our 10th anniversary, we’re exploring how human wellbeing and wildlife can support each other, and we are looking forward to helping more people connect to the natural world.

“There will be food, music, puppetry and plenty of opportunity to learn about conservation, discover how nature can benefit our wellbeing, and find out how we can benefit nature in return. And, because it’s September, we’ve made sure the activities are weatherproof! It will be fun, whether it rains or the sun shines.”

The festival will feature stands from various nature organisations and community groups, talks and tips from nature professionals, and wildlife friendly gardening sessions with the zoo’s schools team.

The organisers have teamed up with Outside Lives Ltd giving festivalgoers the chance to build, make and play, with crazy golf, den building and willow weaving on the menu of activities.

Chris Ablett, Community Volunteer Assistant Manager, said:

“We’re hoping our 10th Nature Fest will be the biggest yet. Chester Zoo is well known for supporting conservation across the world but protecting nature here in the UK is just as important.

“We want people to know there are simple things they can do to help wildlife at home, and Nature Fest is a great way to link up with people and learn new skills you can put into practice in your community, all while enjoying a great day out.”

Chester Zoo’s nature reserve is located at the far end of the zoo’s main visitor car park.

Nature Fest is free to attend, parking is free and no booking is required.

Pictured - Nature Fest at Chester Zoo is back – and 2026 is the tenth anniversary of the festival’s launch.