Five weeks of free family-friendly experiences return to Chester this summer

Chester BID is bringing back its popular Summer in the City ticket giveaway, offering more than 1,000 free tickets to some of Chester's best-loved attractions, activities and experiences during the school summer holidays.

Following last year’s success, Summer in the City returns better than ever, designed to help families make lasting memories while enjoying everything Chester has to offer.

Running across five themed weeks, the campaign will give families plenty of reasons to get out, explore and enjoy the city this summer. From taking to the water on the River Dee to catching a family friendly film or discovering Chester’s rich history, there is something for every family to enjoy.

Tickets will be released via Chester BID's newsletter, with each week’s tickets available two weeks before the activity takes place. Families are encouraged to sign up to the newsletter here to be the first to access.

Carl Critchlow, Chief Executive of Chester BID, said:

"We’re really pleased to be bringing Summer in the City back after the brilliant response we had from families last year. It’s all about helping families enjoy quality time together over the school holidays while showing off the fantastic experiences we have right here in Chester city centre"

“We couldn't do this without the support of our city centre businesses and partners. Together, we're helping people make the most of everything Chester has to offer and creating great summer memories in the city.”

This year's Summer in the City programme includes:

Week 1 - Cinema Week (27 July – 2 August)

Free cinema screenings at Picturehouse featuring new releases ‘Minions & Monster’s and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, alongside theatre tickets to Peter Pan at Storyhouse in the Park, located within the beautiful setting of Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre.

“We’re delighted to be part of Chester BID’s Summer in the City campaign and to welcome families into Storyhouse in the Park this summer. Grosvenor Park has become such a special part of Chester’s summer offer and it’s brilliant to be working alongside the BID and other city partners to help create memorable experiences for families right across the city.” – Megan Bennett, Storyhouse

Week 2 - River Week (3 August – 9 August)

Free 30 minute cruises along the River Dee with ChesterBoat, offering families the chance to experience Chester from a different perspective on the water.

“Chester Boats is pleased to be returning as part of the Summer in the City Campaign. The popularity of our boat trips last year was a great opportunity for us to showcase the city to our visitors and residents, and we’re glad to be able to provide this again in 2026. The summer is an expensive time for families, so providing city centre attractions for free ensures Chester is accessible to all." – Jenny Brown, ChesterBoat

Week 3 - Leisure Week (10 August – 16 August)

Free activities including Deva Roman Experience, Challenge Point, The Hole in Wand and swimming at the newly renovated Brio Northgate.

Week 4 - Tour Week (17 August – 23 August)

Free open top bus tour with City Sightseeing, discover Chester's rich history and famous landmarks.

Week 5 - Social Week - New for 2026 (24 August – 30 August)

Free interactive experiences at Rooftop Social Club, including karaoke and shuffleboard, alongside duckpin bowling at Spinners.

Families wishing to take part are encouraged to sign up to the Chester BID newsletter to be first in line for tickets when they are released.

For more information and to sign up, visit:

www.chesterbid.co.uk/discover/summer-in-the-city/

About Chester BID Company

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led, business-funded body created to improve a defined commercial area. Chester BID is funded solely by the businesses within the city.

There are over 430 businesses in Chester’s BID area with a rateable value of more than £18,000. Each of these contribute a levy equal to 1.5% of their business premises rateable value every year to fund a wide range of improvements identified by the businesses themselves. It is expected that approximately £2.5m of private sector funds will be generated over the five-year BID term and this money will be reinvested back into the city centre.

In June 2024, hundreds of businesses voted in favour of the plans to renew the BID’s term in Chester and on September 1st, 2024, Chester BID Company will start a third five year-term with the intention of continuing to deliver a more vibrant and successful trading environment for Chester city centre.

For more information, visit

www.ChesterBID.co.uk