Cheshire is serving up an irresistible cultural line-up this July, from intimate live music to thought-provoking exhibitions and open-air cinema under the summer sky. From YUNGBLUD’s up-close Liverpool set to Squeeze’s summer stage in Altrincham and starlit cinema nights in Chester – there is something for every cultural explorer. You can dive into the Chester Festival of Ideas packed with big names and inspiring talks, step inside the world of poet Ian McMillan and photographer Andrew Brooks at The Portico Library, or explore stunning watercolours at the Grosvenor Museum. Here’s our pick of the month’s must-see events across the region.
Top Cheshire Events in July 2025
The Songs That Morning Sang
Dates: Until 27 September
Venue: Portico Library
Northern poet and BBC broadcaster Ian McMillan and artist photographer Andrew Brooks make the ordinary extraordinary as their words and pictures combine in The Songs The Morning Sang at Portico Library in Manchester. Twenty five of their artworks, including The Day Mars Slowly Deflated and Solo For Light Harp. Their exhibition tells shared stories about Brooks’ pre-dawn High Peak neighbourhood, with McMillan’s clever prose bringing humour, whimsy and mystery to the Peak District town of New Mills.
Get tickets for the Songs That Morning Sang
YUNGBLUD
Dates: 11 July
Venue: Liverpool Dome
YUNGBLUD has announced a run of ‘Up Close & Personal’ record store dates across the UK, celebrating the release of new album IDOLS that came out on 20th June. He will be playing songs off the album stripped back and sharing stories about how the songs were made, so a unique opportunity to see a musical master at work.
Book your tickets for YUNGBLUD
Moonlight Flicks
Dates: From 10 July
Venue: Grosvenor Park
Moonlight Flicks Open Air Cinema is back this summer at Grosvenor Park in Chester. For over 10 years, Storyhouse has brought unforgettable open-air cinema experiences to unique locations across Chester, from the Roman Gardens to Chester Cathedral. In July, you can see Dirty Dancing (10th), The Greatest Showman (15th) and Pretty Woman (20th).
Buy tickets for Moolight Flicks
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Dates: 2-5 July
Venue: Lyceum Crewe
Jamie New is 16 and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. Jamie doesn’t quite fit in and is terrified about the future. Jamie is going to be a sensation. Supported by his brilliant loving mum and surrounded by his friends, he overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.
Book tickets for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Bolesworth International
Dates: 3-6 July
Venue: Bolesworth
Bolesworth International 2025: where horsepower reigns – from Olympic showjumpers to iconic Lamborghini models and Super Trucks. Lamborghini Manchester will display unparalleled power and performance from the Lamborghini Revuelto V12 super sports car and Urus SE Super SUV. The UK’s first all-electric hypercar, the Lotus Evija, will star in Bolesworth’s groundbreaking Supercar Showcase. From showjumping and Shetlands to supercars and street food – this is a summer spectacle for all ages.
Buy tickets for Bolesworth International
Royal Watercolour Society of Wales
Dates: Until 19 October
Venue: Grosvenor Museum
This exhibition showcases the recent work of current RWSW members. The Royal Watercolour Society of Wales exists to exhibit, encourage and promote the art of watercolour painting in its many different guises. It aims to provide a forum for the continuing appreciation and development of water-based media. The Society’s first exhibition was held in 1959 at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
Book your tickets for the Royal Watercolour Society of Wales
Squeeze
Dates: 3 July
Venue: Ashley Hall Showground
Legendary British rock band Squeeze will be bringing their celebrated catalogue of hits to the Ashley Hall Showground stage in Altrincham, joined by very special guests Badly Drawn Boy and China Crisis. With timeless classics such as Cool for Cats, Up the Junction, and Tempted, Squeeze remains one of the UK’s most beloved bands.
Buy tickets for Squeeze
Chester Festival of Ideas
Dates: 3-6 July
Venue: Various
Bookings are now open as the full, eagerly-anticipated Chester Festival of Ideas 2025 programme of almost 100 free events is launched. The festival is back after its inaugural success in 2024, with everything from the chance to hear from well-known, inspirational sportspeople and broadcasters to the opportunity to get creative at art workshops.
Aiming to celebrate, entertain, inform and inspire, events will be hosted at venues across Chester, including Chester Town Hall – the festival hub, Storyhouse, the Grosvenor Museum, Chester Cathedral, Chester Market, Chester Picturehouse and event spaces across the University of Chester.
Guests for this year include seven-time Paralympian champion, Hannah Cockroft OBE; former chief news correspondent for the BBC, Kate Adie CBE; writer and broadcaster, Natalie Haynes; and full-time GP, author, ambassador for The National Wildlife Trust and The Butterfly Conservation Society, Dr Amir Khan.
A new name added to the list of guests is Jane Lasonder – survivor, global advocate and keynote speaker on human trafficking, chair of the Hope for Justice Survivor Leadership Council and Vice Chair of the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC) of OSCE / ODIHR (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights). Jane will discuss ‘Hidden in Plain Sight: Unmasking Trafficking and Slavery in Our Communities’.
The festival is a fantastic opportunity for public engagement with the University, with academics sharing their insights on subjects from the psychology of TV’s The Traitors and the science of endurance sports to the history of Chester and beyond.
Get your tickets for the Chester Festival of Ideas
How Absolutely Picks The Best For You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
