Everything you need to know about Deva Fest this weekend

With five stages hosting big names of music and comedy, organisers say this year’s festival is going to be ‘bigger and better than ever before’.

It’s fast becoming one of the north west’s favourite family festivals – and Deva Fest is on this weekend.

So whether you’ve already got tickets, or you’re thinking about heading to the three day event, here’s everything you need to know.

What is Deva Fest?

Deva Fest is a three-day festival that prides itself on being super family-friendly so there’s something for every member of your clan. As well as music and comedy, it’s got everything from circus workshops to gin tasting and watersports to dinosaurs(!) and more.

Where is Deva Fest this year?

Deva Fest is in a new location this year, and it’s a great one. It’s at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, set in the heart of Cheshire – and that’s five miles north-west of Whitchurch and only 40 minutes from Liverpool.

Which days is it on?

It’s on from Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13. Gates open a midday on all three days with an expected finish time of around 11pm.

Music legends who are gracing the stage

There are some big names from the music world at Deva Fest this year, including Will Young, Fleur East and Feeder, as well as local bands and artists from around the region.

Will Young, Fleur East and Five will be headlining on the Saturday night, with Feeder and Starsailor taking over the musical reins on Sunday. On Friday there’ll be high tempo beats from the Symphonic Ibiza orchestra.

Is there comedy too?

Only from some of the best! Justin Moorhouse and Matt Richardson are among those kicking off on the fun on Friday, with Paul Smith and Brennan Reece there on Saturday, and Tez Ilyas and Nina Gilligan on Sunday – and loads more.

What else can I expect?

Just about everything. You can have a go at watersports – there’s kayaking and paddleboarding this year, Gin Journey are backing giving a masterclass in creating the perfect G&T, there are tons of food and drink stalls and a free fairground with unlimited rides.

What about more family focused events?

As well as the fairground rides aimed at younger people, there are superhero parades (Saturday), a kid’s kingdom with lots of activities, and The dinosaurs of Jurassic Park who will be at Deva Fest every day of the festival with shows, walkabouts, and meet and greets.

Great gardens

As an added bonus Cholmondeley Castle Gardens will be open and free to visit every day of the festival. The 70 acres of beautiful gardens offer magnificent displays throughout the seasons and, especially in summer, are filled with colour. You can discover the romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, the Rose Garden, the Glade, the Arboretum, and the ornamental woodland upon Tower Hill, as well as the newly created 100m Lavinia Walk.

Food and drink

You’ll be well fed and watered at Deva Fest. There’ll be loads of vendors – with food from around the world – which have been specially chosen from around the region, and they’ll be led by food partners Artezzan of Chester who’ll be serving delicious Mediterranean food including Neapolitan pizzas and truffle fries, Greek Souvlaki, and its best-selling marinated chicken or halloumi with warm flat breads and tzatziki. Bar goers can expect a full service from iKO Ventures, the people behind Liquor & Co., Craft and Company and the new Chester Market bar Lockwood & Co; and there’ll be craft beers from Vocation Brewery.

Can I still get tickets?

Yes there are tickets still available for Deva Fest but they’re down to the last 6%, so if you want to go, get booking now. You CANNOT just turn up on the day, you need to book tickets in advance.

Can I camp at Deva Fest?

Yep, glamping bell tents in Deva Camp are all sold out but there are a few spots remaining for anyone who wants to pitch a tent or take a live-in vehicle to Deva Fest’s Deer Park Campsite. But, again, get booking now if you don’t want to be disappointed.

What’s all the fuss about the loos?

No one likes a dogy loo, so Deva Fest has the sorts of loos you would normally find at a wedding as standard – proper flushes and mirrors: “Our feedback forms frequently state that we offer the best toilets you have ever seen at a festival.”

How do I get there?

Cholmondeley is around five miles north-west of Whitchurch and 13 miles south-east of Chester, so by car you can access it directly from the A49 and it’s just a short drive from the A41. It will have free parking throughout the three-day event.

Deva Fest is offering shuttle bus services with two routes:

* Route 1 – Ellesmere Port – Chester (Railway Station and City Centre) – Tarporley OR Christleton/Tattenhall – Deva Fest (andreturn)

* Route 2 – Dodleston – Rossett – Gresford – Wrexham – Holt – Deva Fest (and return)

Full details and times are on the website.

Rail – If the shuttle buses aren’t going your way, the nearest mainline railway stations are Chester and Crewe. Both are served by direct services from Manchester, Liverpool, London, the West Midlands, and North Wales. Taxis from either location will cost around £30-35. For times, see the National Rail website here – (but bear in mind there might be strike action).