Heritage Chester CIC has today (Tuesday 27 January) launched an ambitious crowdfunding campaign to deliver its heritage programming throughout 2026.

The campaign, hosted on Spacehive, aims to raise £10,000 to fund 50-plus events across the year – with 80% completely free or under £5.

By securing at least 50 community backers, Heritage Chester hopes to unlock significant funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council's Community Innovation Fund, demonstrating strong community support behind the project.

Its flagship event, a community launch day in Exchange Square, will feature BBC Gladiators 2025 winner Amanda Wah - who will lead gladiator-inspired family fitness sessions.

The day will include jesters, puppet shows, ceramic tile workshops, stained glass crafting, henna art, community choir performances, bubbleologists, and mechanical organ entertainment.

Heritage talks and films will also take place inside Chester Picturehouse, all completely free of charge.

"Every child in Chester should have the chance to fall in love with their city's extraordinary heritage", said Jen McAndrew, Project Consultant.

"Not through expensive attractions, but through bubble shows in the square, gladiator fitness with a BBC star, making Medieval tiles, and experiencing heritage as adventure.

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"With community backing, we can reach in excess of 5,000 people across more than 50 events throughout the year."

To back the campaign and help Heritage Chester reach its 50-backer goal, you can visit here.