Midsummer madness

Jun 13 2008 by Michael Green, Flintshire Chronicle

Midsummer revellers will be flocking to Chester for an extravaganza of colour and culture as the city’s newest community festival launches on June 19.

Designed to dovetail with the Watch Parade and Mystery Plays, the Chester Midsummer Festival offers a cultural feast of artistic and creative community based events, centred on medieval folk lore and local history.

Event organiser Kristine Szulik said: “The festival aims to help local families and children take a proactive interest in their heritage and culture, as well as offering complementary concerts and activities to the prestigious midsummer events already staged in the city.

“It focuses on Chester’s medieval reputation for pageantry and giant making and includes activities featuring giants in many different forms, all designed to unite the community.”

The festival features The Enigma Trail by North West artist Robbie Stocker, who has created a trail of 21 Enigma banners, already displayed at pivotal locations in the city, on the theme of the Chester Giant.

Events include:

Thursday, June 19:

Singing Chester – 200 young people will premier The Chester Giants’ Song at 4pm, Town Hall Square and 4.30–5.30pm Chester Cathedral.

Art Exhibition – Lache Primary School and Beltane Exhibitions present artwork in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, Retreat House, Cathedral Green, 5.30–7.30pm.

Enigma Trail – The Lord Mayor will draw the prize winners of The Enigma Trail. Visit www.robbiestocker.com for further details.

Friday, June 20:

Lord Mayor’s Medieval Revelry – Food, wine, dance and entertainment, Chester Cathedral Refectory, 7.30pm. Tickets £32 from Civic Office on 01244 402219.

Saturday, June 21:

Minstrel’s Court – a medieval extravaganza exploring the background of the Chester Giants and parades, St John’s Church, 10am–4pm.

St John’s Summer Fair – spectacular annual fair, St John’s Church, 2–4pm.

Midsummer Watch Parade – giants parade and street theatre, Abbey Square, Chester Town Hall and streets, 2–3pm.

Battle of the Silver Screen – talented young filmmakers go head to head for the Lord Mayor’s Enigma Trophy for best short film on unity in the community, New Pavilion, Chester Racecourse 7–9.30pm. Tickets £3 from the Cathedral Shop on 01244 311586.

Sunday, June 22:

Midsummer Watch Parade – giants parade and street theatre, Abbey Square, Chester Town Hall and streets, 2–3pm.

Lord Mayor’s promenade concert (part 1) – Nave Choir, Chichester Psalms (Bernstein) plus music by Tallis and Tomkins, Chester Cathedral, 7pm. Tickets £10 single event, £24 combined events from the Cathedral Shop on 01244 311586.

Lord Mayor’s promenade concert (Part 2) – buffet and promenade, Chester Cathedral, 8pm. Tickets £10 single event, £24 combined events from the Cathedral Shop on 01244 311586.

Lord Mayor’s promenade concert (Part 3) – Nick Clapton, L’Indiscret & Tapestry of Music, the world premiere of work by Raewyn Bailey Lady Mayoress, St John’s, 9pm. Tickets £10 single event, £24 combined events from the Cathedral Shop on 01244 311586.

Monday, June 23:

Unity in the Community Day in the Lord Mayor’s Rooms – Art, food and garden exhibitions by local communities, Lord Mayor’s Retreat House, Cathedral Square, 10am–4pm.

Tuesday, June 24:

Polish Day in the Lord Mayor’s Rooms – art exhibitions, cultural exchange by local communities and barbecue, Lord Mayor’s Retreat House, Cathedral Square, 10am–8pm.

Wednesday, June 25:

Active Aging Day in the Lord Mayor’s Rooms – fun activities for the young at heart (50+), Lord Mayor’s Retreat House, Cathedral Square, 10am–4pm.

Thursday, June 26:

Picnic on the Deanery Field to the sound of Lache Steel Band and Mystery Play Street Theatre, 6.45pm.

Chester Mystery Plays (Preview) – Chester’s famous mediaeval mystery plays, Cathedral Green, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from 01244 304518.

Friday, June 27:

Picnic on the Deanery Field to the sounds of Lache Steel Band and Mystery Play Street Theatre, 6.45pm.

Chester Mystery Plays – Chester’s famous mediaeval mystery plays, Cathedral Green, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from 01244 304518.

For further information about the festival and details of events visit www.chester.gov.uk/whatson.