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Chester·Romans
Painted reconstruction of a festival day at the Roman amphitheatre, crowds and banners at its gates.

Roman events in Chester

Chester’s main Roman events are Roman Day at Chester Racecourse and the Roman strand of the Chester Heritage Festival, both in late spring. In 2026 the festival ran from 23 May to 7 June and Roman Day was on 30 May. Dates for 2027 had not been announced when we last checked; we update this page as they are.

2027

Nothing Roman had been announced for 2027 when we checked on 26 October 2026. Based on recent years, expect the Heritage Festival in late May and early June, and Roman Day at the races around the same time. Check the organisers before you book travel.

What ran in 2026

  • Chester Heritage Festival, 23 May to 7 June 2026. The city’s annual heritage festival, which in 2026 included a Roman virtual reality experience.
  • Roman Day, Chester Racecourse, 30 May 2026. A race day with legionaries and stunt shows on the Roodee, which was once the Roman waterfront.
  • A Solstice Gathering at the amphitheatre, 13 June 2026. A community event listed for the Roman arena.

Roman things that run all year

You don’t need a festival to meet a legionary. Roman soldier walking tours run regularly (check the operator for days), the Deva Roman Experience opens at weekends and in school holidays, and the amphitheatre and walls are open every day.

Questions people ask

Is there a Roman festival in Chester?

Chester's Heritage Festival, held each spring, has included Roman events; in 2026 it ran from 23 May to 7 June with a Roman virtual reality experience. Chester Racecourse also held a Roman Day on 30 May 2026. Dates for 2027 had not been announced when we checked.

When is Chester Races Roman Day?

In 2026 it was on 30 May. Check Chester Racecourse for the 2027 fixture.

Are there events at Chester Roman Amphitheatre?

From time to time: re-enactments, soldier tours and community events use it, especially in summer. A Solstice Gathering was listed there for 13 June 2026.

Is Roman Fest in Chester?

No. Roman Fest is held at Chester House Estate in Northamptonshire, which is not Chester in Cheshire.

Facts and visitor details checked 26 October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check with the venue before you travel. Sources: chester.com, Chester Heritage Festival 2026; Chester Racecourse.