Chester’s long and rich heritage will fall under spotlight during a nine-day festival at the end of June.

The Chester Heritage Festival, now in its fourth year, has been brought forward to coincide with the Midsummer Watch Parades and the start of the renowned Chester Mystery Plays.

It will run from June 22-30, featuring walks, talks, films, exhibitions, workshops and special activities for young people which bring Chester and its history to life.

Stephen Langtree, vice-president of Chester Civic Trust, who chairs the festival partnership, said: "We want to create a carnival atmosphere in the city.

“It’s our fourth year and our programme is getting bigger and bigger. We hope residents and visitors will find something of interest and enjoy delving into Chester’s 2,000-year history and heritage.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, cabinet member communities and wellbeing at CWaC, added: “Mystery Plays, The Midsummer Watch Parades and the Heritage Festival - it’s already looking like an exciting, history-soaked summer. Look out for the festival programme in May for more details.”

Stories will unfold in the streets, the cathedral, the castle, Roman amphitheatre, around the city walls, at the racecourse, in churches and other historic buildings as well as Storyhouse. You will be able to meet Romans, Royalists and Roundheads, immerse yourself in medieval traditions and experience Tudor, Victorian and 20th-century Chester.

The festival is co-ordinated by Chester Civic Trust and Cheshire West and Chester Council in close partnership with many other groups including the Guild of Tour Guides, Chester Roman Tours, St John’s Church, Chester Race Company, the Grosvenor Museum, Storyhouse and local libraries. More than 60 events will take place around the clock, across the city and beyond.

For further details visit www.visitcheshire.com/chesterheritagefestival or look out for leaflets around the city and in libraries when the festival programme is published in May. You can follow the festival on Twitter @Chesterherifest.