A FESTIVAL which brings to life Chester's rich history and heritage is due to return this month, with events spread across the city.

The Chester Heritage festival will have talks, demonstrations, family activities, walks and online events taking place from Saturday, June 17, to Wednesday, June 28, incorporating several historic locations such as Chester Cathedral, Castle, the Rows and the City Walls.

This year’s Festival will incorporate the exciting Midsummer Watch parades, a spectacle for city visitors and residents alike, and concludes as Chester Mystery Plays commence on Wednesday, June 28.

Once every five years the people of Chester create a completely new production of 'the greatest story ever told'. This theatrical spectacular will be staged in the stunning nave of Chester Cathedral. Biblical tales of love, death, betrayal and redemption are performed by a cast of hundreds.

John Young - director for Romeo & Juliet at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre last year - will be at the helm with Chester's Matt Baker once again composing and directing the music.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "If ever the phrase something for everyone could be used then this month is the time. During June the Heritage Festival plays centre stage to a supporting cast of Green Expo, Fashion Festival, Active Travel Festival, plus two of the country’s oldest performances The Chester Mystery Plays and the Midsummer Watch Parade.

"Heritage and Chester go hand in hand and what a perfect time to revisit and see the work that has taken place on the City Rows and visit our new Market that has already welcomed over one million visitors since opening last winter. There is also a Fashion exhibition in the Town Hall on Saturday 17 plus a summer Fashion Festival in the afternoon that has attracted designers and models from across the country."

Chester Heritage Festival is coordinated by Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Racecourse, Chester Cathedral, Marketing Cheshire and Chester Civic Trust.

For further details of all events during the Festival, click to: chesterheritagefestival.co.uk.