Storyhouse's Childless festival will return to Chester this September, with the full 2026 programme now confirmed.

The three-day event, taking place from 25–27 September, will feature a range of panels, workshops and discussions exploring life without children.

Now in its sixth year, the festival aims to create space for open and nuanced conversations around childlessness and childfree living, while supporting community building and the sharing of lived experiences.

This year's festival opens on Friday evening with an informal welcome event at the Garret Bar and Theatre, featuring live music, an introduction from the festival team and an optional 'speed friending' session.

Saturday's programme begins with a festival welcome from host Dr Dawn Llewellyn, associate professor of Religion and Gender at the University of Chester. The opening panel will explore neurodiversity among childless and childfree people.

Later in the day, a headline discussion will examine public debate around falling birth rates and social policy narratives.

Across the weekend, creative workshops led by artist Claire Beerjeraz will run in the Garret Bar, alongside returning discussion groups covering a range of themes. A new men-only discussion group has been added for 2026 following participant feedback.

Additional sessions include Ageing Without Children, which will explore long-term care, community and "alterkin" networks, featuring psychotherapist and Gateway Women founder Jody Day in conversation with life and death coach Jane Duncan Rogers.

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The festival will close with a final wrap-up session and an after-party at Storyhouse Kitchen.

You can find tickets and more here.