Growing roots

DID YOU KNOW?

•4th May, Object of the Month, Grosvenor Museum, Chester A lunchtime talk exploring the works of Randolph Caldecott, using books and objects in the museum’s collections. 1pm. Free, donations encouraged.

With acts spread across the town’s top venues including Ebenezer’s, The Crown Ballroom, St Mary’s Church and the Civic Hall, Nantwich Roots Festival was launched last year as a sister festival to Words & Music, and runs from 15th-21st May. Catch international stars such as Mike Scott of The Waterboys, legendary Geordie folk-rockers Lindisfarne led by founder member Rod Clements, and Neville Staple, founder member of The Specials and Fun Boy Three and a key singer and writer in both outfits. Iconic UK singer Kiki Dee goes back to her roots with an acoustic show, joined onstage by masterly guitarist Carmelo Luggeri. With other major names such as Eliza Carthy and The Trials of Cato, this festival has rooted itself firmly in the music calendar! Ticket prices vary. Book at www.wordsandmusicfestival.com

Winging it…

•7th May, Wellness under the Blossom: Introduction to Breathwork, Quarry Bank, Wilmslow Learn why breathing practices are so beneficial for our wellbeing and become familiar with di erent types of breathwork to energise and uplift as well as to soothe and calm. 2pm. Free.

Join Chester Zoo’s Rangers as they dive into the world of ornithology – the study of the feathered phenomena we know as birds! In this short course you’ll be taught the basics of bird watching and bird identification, and then explore some of the brilliant birds found around the zoo. The two-hour session for 10-12 year olds takes place on 10th June at 10.30am and costs £20. Book in advance at www.chesterzoo.org

Kiki Dee was the first UK female singer to sign with Motown’s Tamla Records

Capturethe castle

Get ready for a right royal knees-up at Kids Rule! events at Beeston Castle and Woodland Park this May half-term. From 27th May to 4th June, celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun in the grounds. And discover Beeston’s prehistoric past in the new roundhouse. Open 10am-5pm, tickets £11 (child £6.50, family tickets available). www.english-heritage.org.uk

•10th May, Willow Bumble Bee Workshop, Arley Hall, Northwich Make a gorgeous fat bumble bee with willow sculptor Juliette Hamilton. All materials provided, just bring a pair of secateurs and an apron. 10am. £67.

•10th May, Fire Warden Training for BID Businesses, Chester Chester BID will be funding fire warden training for BID member businesses, which will cover the causes of fire in the workplace, fire detection and warning, safe evacuation, firefighting equipment, means of escape, and the role of the fire warden. 9am-noon. Free.

Chester on parade

Saddle up!

Chester Heritage Festival brings to life the city’s rich history with stories from over two millennia. It returns on 17th June with events and experiences for all ages, including guided walks, talks, exhibitions, tours, art, yoga and street performances. It also incorporates the Midsummer Watch parades and the first night of the Chester Mystery Plays on 28th June Details at www.chesterheritagefestival.co.uk

Experience the allnew Bolesworth International from 14th-18th June, where worldclass equestrian sport meets live entertainment, artisan shopping and much more. It’s a five-day festival with a difference – non-stop sporting action, celebrity chefs, food, drink and activities for the whole family. Plus amazing live music from The Brand New Heavies, DJ Trevor Nelson, Rick Parfitt’s RPJ Band and London’s iconic DJ Phoebe D’Abo. For the latest information on tickets, VIP experiences, camping and upgrades visit www.bolesworth.com/international

WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 12TH-17TH

MAY