Wayword Festival at Storyhouse

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Storyhouse

Wayword Festival at Storyhouse, Chester 17 — 24 February 2018 Entrance is free — Visit now

This half-term is a great opportunity to visit Chester’s fine Storyhouse theatre, cinema and library. Expect this former Art Deco cinema to be packed to its (magnificently redeveloped) rafters with an impressive eight-day festival of creative capers.

With daily free arts and crafts, swing band performances, family discos, beatboxing classes, drone coding, science workshops, computer game design and more, we love that there is something for kids of all ages, whether they are seasoned aficionados or just wanting to rock up and roll with it.

Our top picks include the opportunity to draw and read stories with legendary illustrator (and long-time Julia Donaldson collaborator) Axel Scheffler, and the chance to take part in an interactive pirate performance with author and illustrator Jonny Duddle to celebrate his newest book The Pirate of Scurvy Sands.

There’s plenty of opportunity to get moving with a performance from award-winning world music collective Kabuntu (where you get the chance to conduct, take part in drum battles and play musical tennis no less) and bust some moves in Ballet and Hip Hop dance workshops.  Those not shy of heart can also get right involved in a Singing Workshop, learn Beatboxing skills with Lee Gibling and also embark on “A Play In A Day”.

Scientists and makers should head for the Willard White minature sculpture exhibition with works so small they can only be seen through a microscope, take part in a Print Studio Workshop or a voyage of scientific discovery to reveal the technology behind Doctor Who’s Tardis and the true strength of Star Wars “the force”.

We love that families can while away an hour, a day, or even several days with this kaleidoscope of storytelling and creativity.

Wayword Festival at Storyhouse, Chester 17 — 24 February 2018 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Wayword Festival at Storyhouse

Chester
Gallery
Chester Visual Arts

Chester Visual Arts has brought pop-up exhibitions to Chester’s most iconic buildings, including The Old Library and Chester Cathedral.

Chester
Chester
Tourist Attraction
Chester Visitor Information Centre

This is the meeting point for Tours Around Chester who offer a variety of tours ranging from food walking, running and themed running (including beer or gin).

The Cheese Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop has been a source of speciality cheeses in Chester for 25 years and has over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses available -including pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian varieties.

Covino Restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Covino

Covino is a small owner-run wine bar & restaurant in the heart of Chester. They serve an ever-changing menu of seasonally inspired small plates, guided by the quality and provenance of ingredients, with a real focus on simplicity and flavour.

Chester Indoor Market
Chester
Shopping Centre
Chester Indoor Market

Recipient of the Best Small Indoor Market at The Great British Market Awards 2020, Chester Market offers foods from around the world.

Joseph Benjamin
Chester
Restaurant
Joseph Benjamin

Joseph Benjamin is a Chester restaurant and delicatessen set inside the Chester city walls on Northgate Street.

Chester
Event venue
Alexander’s Live

Established in 1991, Alexander’s puts on an amazing range of live music including jazz, blues, soul, roots and rock, comedy & drama. Alexander’s is famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.

Hypha restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Hypha

Hypha was Chester’s first plant-based restaurant and has gone on to earn high praise with eco-conscious foodies across the North.

Chester Cathedral
Chester
Place of worship
Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a living community of prayer and worship, and a centre of excellence in Church Music with a rich and fascinating heritage.

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Affecting contemporary performances and fresh, relevant takes on enduring classics, we pick out shows that help us scrutinise the world we live in.

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.