ONE of the big success stories in Chester in 2010 was the first ever MBNA Chestival. Today we can reveal the line-up for the 2011 event which promises to be even more memorable for residents and tourists alike. In this special report, we take a look at the highlights coming our way this summer

Events to look forward to at the 2011 MBNA Chestival include:

Roman Weekend, June 4-5, Chester Amphitheatre, Grosvenor Park and Chester’s streets.

After the success of 2010’s Roman weekend this event is returning but has tripled in size and it’s all free.

Hundreds of Romans from across Europe will be descending on Chester for a full weekend of activity, including gladiatorial Roman games, a working Roman village, original Roman kids army, military displays and the Roman march through the city centre.

Outdoor cinema, Chester Amphitheatre, various dates and times, check www.chesterfestivals.co.uk – Adults £5, children £1.50.

New for 2011 – The amphitheatre is going to the movies and you can join in.

Come and experience the magical atmosphere of watching a film in the outdoors and in Chester’s unique venue of the amphitheatre.

A large screen will be showing films for all ages and tastes, from ET and Toy Story 3 to Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music and Top Gun, to name but a few.

With either seats or the option to have a picnic on the grass there is every reason to view your favourite films in the open air with family and friends.

Carnival of Giants, Sunday, June 12: Starting at Chester Amphitheatre and parading through the streets.

Giants from across the world will create the tallest parade and carnival, one for the cameras and all the family.

Chester Mystery Plays in Miniature, The Creation, Chester Amphitheatre, June 17 at 6pm; June 18 at 4pm; June 19 at noon and 4pm.

The Mystery Players are back in 2011 with their second miniature play in the Chestival series and this time it’s back to the beginning.

As usual there is plenty of song, dance and spectacle. Taking place after the colourful Midsummerwatch Parade, it’s the perfect end to a spectacular free day out for the family in Chester.

Midsummer Watch Parade, June 18-19: Starting at Chester’s Town Hall Square.

Attracting thousands of people to the city centre, Chester’s show stopper returns for its annual outing on the streets of Chester, you will need your cameras at the ready. Expect fire breathing, George and the Dragon, pirates and more.

Vaudeville in the Day, June 18-19, daytime: Town Hall Square and Chester’s streets.

Another new event is the introduction of Victorian Vaudeville, featuring the Magnificent Insect Circus Museum, the Liberty Beetles and the Cheeky Ladybirds, the Knife Thrower and the Painted Lady, Captain Courage, the intrepid Wasp Tamer, the Worm Charmer and the Dancing Snails.

Vaudeville, Evening Cabaret Shows, June 18-19: Tickets from £10, Chester Town Hall.

The new Vaudeville event carries on to the evening with cabaret shows in the town hall on the Saturday night.

An extraordinary show that is designed to knock you off your feet with a chaotic cabaret of trickery, theatre, comedy, burlesque and sideshows. Come along and discover a secret world of curious entertainment including: juggling superstar Matt Ricardo, Hula Hoop goddess Pippa the Ripper and songbird Coco Malone and many others.

Sunday night is Music Hall Mischief at 8.30pm. Take a step back in time to the Music Halls of old at Chester’s Town Hall with Des O’Connor and his Banjo Bedlam, The Butterfly Girl and Frayed Knot Circus along with Accordion Antics with Chester’s very own Matt Baker.

Audience with… June 27: Wayne Hemingway, June 28: Stuart Maconie – 7.30pm – Chester Town Hall – tickets £10.

The popular celebrity speaker events will make a welcome return to this year’s festival, this is your chance to get up close and personal with some of the UK’s famous faces and ask them questions you want to know, this year world-renowned designer Wayne Hemingway and TV and radio presenter and journalist Stuart Maconie will join MBNA Chestival at Chester Town Hall.

Chester Summer Music Festival, July 1-16: Prices from £9 – Chester Cathedral, Chester Town Hall and St Mary’s Centre.

The Chester Summer Music Festival returns for its annual summer outing, featuring 13 spectacular evening concerts, seven lunchtime concerts and one Big Sing weekend.

Concerts include internationally renowned Stefano Bollani and the Gabrieli Consort, an evening of contemporary brass with tenThing and amazing musicians Jack Liebeck, Pavel Sporcil and Ruth Palmer, to name but a few.

Tickets for the outdoor cinema, Audience With and Vaudeville Cabaret evenings go on sale from Monday, May 9.

For a full breakdown of all the events and timings and to book, visit www.chesterfestivals.co.uk.