ORGANISERS of the Chester Food and Drink Festival have confirmed that the event will go ahead on August Bank Holiday weekend.

The festival, running from August 28-30 at Chester Racecourse, will feature demonstrations from celebrity chefs such as John Torode, Chris Bavin and Paul Rankin.

The vast majority of the event will be held outside with just the demonstrations and cookery classes taking place inside a well-ventilated marquee with seating arranged around tables to maintain social distancing.

All 100-plus exhibitors at the Taste Cheshire-organised festival will be asked to do a Covid test before the event, and additional sanitising points and other measures will remain in place, even if the Government restrictions are lifted as planning later this month.

“We have redesigned the festival”, says organiser Briony Wilson. “Taking full advantage of the fabulous options created by Chester Racecourse, we are now able to hold the festival almost entirely outside ensuring that even if the restrictions remain in place, the festival can run.

"We are thrilled to be one of the few that will go ahead, and we look forward to bringing some much-needed positivity, and delicious food and drink to the city.”

Taste Cheshire are focused on organising a family-friendly event full of foodie fun and to give everyone a chance to really enjoy a staycation in Chester this August Bank Holiday weekend.

"It’s about safety first of course”, Briony said. "But people have waited for this festival for 18 months and it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to deliver it at last.”

Taste Cheshire also welcome input from local businesses in the festival and are happy to hear from anyone interested in getting involved with festival sponsorship.

This year’s festival charity partner is Claire House Children's Hospice and Taste Cheshire says it is proud to be helping this local charity with fundraising at this difficult time.

  • Tickets for this year’s Chester Food and Drink Festival are available from chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk or through licensed affiliates.