Things to Do in Chester

Things To Do in ChesterThere are so many attractions in Chester that you’d be amazed at the variety of things to do and see. From animal parks to cathedrals, take a look at some of the top places to be from the list compiled below.

Chester Zoo

One of the biggest and best zoos all over the country, Chester Zoo draws the crowds and it’s little surprise when you consider how much fascination fun you can get up to.

As the UK’s largest charity based zoo, this enclosure has a wide array of exotic and regional animals for your amazement. The cheeky chimps are always a great draw which is apparent when you consider at least 1.4 million people visit each year!

The only times when this much-loved zoo isn’t open is on Christmas and Boxing Day and with such wonder to be found, make sure you take a walk on the wild side as soon as you can.

Chester Racecourse

A favourite amongst the rich and famous, Chester Racecourse has plenty of thrills but hopefully no spills to take your interest.

The grand stage couldn’t be a more perfect place to hold horse racing and it’s obvious as soona s you walk through the entrance to this famed course. Adjacent to the historic Roman walls, jockeys do battle over the superb green and there are events held there regularly.

With superb facilities to boot, those in the gambling mood should give Chester Racecourse a punt very soon.

Chester Roman Gardens

As a region, Chester has always had it fair share of historians traipsing its mythos and this is all down to the variety of monuments to its previous inhabitants: the mighty Romans of old.

The Chester Roman Gardens offer not only a picturesque setting but one that will endear the inner Tony Robinson in all of us down to the fascinating and charming information points dotted all over this historic landmark.

These locations are just a sample of what the great area has to offer. To unearth all of its hidden gems, nooks and crannies, the only thing to do is to explore Chester!

“Chester Zoo” by www.flickr.com/photos/zooeurope

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Olympian to Light Up Christmas

Christmas TreeOne of Chester’s all-time famous daughters is set to return to the city for some local festivities this year when Beth Tweddle gets the Christmas party started.

As well as being a medal-winning Olympian, Ms. Tweddle had a stint on Dancing On Ice and wowed the judges with her moves as she dazzled on the rink in front of a packed audience every Saturday night.

Now, she will be making a return to the historic city of Chester to be a part of the lights being turned on at the 24ft Christmas tree as well as having the privilege of officially opening the ice rink. With this and so much more to look forward to, the Christmas Parade of Light will be a rea cracker.

Spectacular sights abound as the parade makes its way through the sure to be packed town market all the way to the Winter Wonderland at Chester Racecourse. With the inspiration behind the parade being fairy tales, the Queen of Light will be guiding her troupe throughout the city as they all regale and get you in the Christmas spirit.

Dancers and lantern holders from local schools will relish the opportunity to be alongside Santa Claus on his sleigh as he delights the audience with his merry wishes. The real show begins when the group finally arrives at the Winter Wonderland though.

Visitors will be treated to so much fine entertainment with ice skaters, choirs and a sample of the brilliant Snow Queen: a definite must for any theatre-goer in the area. Local celebrities Indigo City will be bringing their girl band glamour to the stage too in what will be another step on the ladder for the promising young act.

With free admission for all, there’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit this November than in Chester this 21st of November.

“christmas tree in midtown” by www.flickr.com/photos/bonkura32design/

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Chester Philharmonic Orchestra

Chester Philharmonic OrchestraOne of the most beloved music forms comes to life in the grand town of Chester this November and it’s guaranteed to be a truly remarkable evening of entertainment.

The very of definition of ‘philharmonic ‘ is a “devotion to or appreciation of music” which is precisely the kind of spirit each and every member of the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra will be channelling when they take to the stage at Chester Cathedral on the 16th of November.

The unenviable task of curating an eclectic range of orchestras from all kinds of backgrounds falls to David Chatwin, a respected figure in the classical community who has found a name for himself as the principal bassoonist with the BBC Philharmonic. Mr. Chatwin will be overseeing and delighting in the performances which are all due to be something spectacular.

The opener is surely going to set the precedent as it’s one that can truly rouse and captivate any audience. Victor Hugo’s seminal Mendehllson Concert Overture Roy Blas, the conductor incidentally hated the play which his piece was used in but the audience at Chester Cathedral are undoubtedly going to lap it up.

Working up the crows even further will be Holst’s Egdon Heath, which is massive inspired by the genius of Thomas Hardy, this almost 100 year old arrangement will serve as a fine introduction into Richard Srauss’s Horn Concerto No.1.

This piece is deserving of special attention down to it being played by the Andrew Budden Acting Principal Horn with the BBC Philharmonic. Budden himself is a relative newcomer on the scene after gaining massive exposure in 2006 when he joined the BBC Philharmonic at the tender age of 21. After playing with some of the most-revered orchestras across the country, he is set to make a real mark in Chester.

Wrapping up superb proceedings will be a performance of Brahms’ Symphony No.2 which is often remarked as a very difficult piece but a challenge that the performers will surely relish.

For the low price of £15, make your way to Chester Cathedral for an unforgettable evening of refined music on the 16th at 7.30pm.