A community-driven crowdfunding campaign has raised over £11,000 to deliver this year's Chester Heritage Festival.

Heritage Chester CIC has successfully completed its Spacehive crowdfunding campaign, raising £11,002 to deliver over 50 heritage events throughout 2026.

With 80% of this year's events completely free or low-cost, the funding will support a year of programming, including the free community launch day in Exchange Square on Saturday 23 May, featuring BBC Gladiators 2025 winner Amanda Wah.

Other free activities include craft workshops, community choirs, performers, bubbleologists, jesters, heritage talks and films at Chester Picturehouse. 

"We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of our community," said Jen McAndrew, coordinator at Heritage Chester. "Every single pledge, whether £5 or £500, has helped make this happen. Thank you all. 

"This campaign has shown just how much Chester values its extraordinary 2,000-year story and wants it shared with everyone - not locked behind expensive ticket prices but celebrated freely in our streets, squares, and historic buildings." 

The programme continues with Chester Heritage Festival (May–June), Summer Celebration Pop ups (July–August), Heritage Open Days (September), and Rowvember (November). 

Having attracted many backers from across the community, the fundraiser also unlocked funding from Cheshire West and Chester Council's Community Innovation Fund.

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Heritage Chester's 2025 programme reached nearly 7,000 people across Heritage Open Days alone. The 2026 programme aims to reach even larger audiences, while generating an estimated £50,000 in local economic activity.