Diaries at the ready - we’ve rounded up some of the best events in the county for you to enjoy over the next 12 months

JANUARY

31st December – 2nd January

Liverpool International Horse Show

After a successful inaugural event last year, the Equestrian.com Liverpool International Horse Show is set to make a thrilling return to Liverpool for what promises to be another three days of spectacular sporting action and family entertainment. The equestrian extravaganza will see world class show jumping competitions with great riders from around the globe, including several Olympians who competed in Rio in 2016.

There will also be live music from internationally renowned acts such as Britain’s Got Talent series eight winners, Collabro, and the UK’s top Abba tribute band, Revival - as well as indoor fireworks and stunt performers.

www.liverpoolhorseshow.com

Also this month

14th – 21st: Dick Whittington

Congleton Pantomime members celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Daneside Theatre, Park Road, Congleton, CW12 1DP.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/congletonpanto

14th: Northern Chamber Orchestra with Matthew Trusler.

Heritage Centre, Roe Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6UT. Tel: 01625 378123,

www.ncorch.co.uk

19th – 21st: Manchester Beer and Cider Festival

Their biggest year yet, with over 600 beers, ciders and perries spread across 19 bars. Manchester Central, Windmill Street, Manchester, M2 3GX.

www.mancbeerfest.uk

FEBRUARY

4th – 5th

Snowdrop Walks at Rode Hall

Mark the start of spring with a magical snowdrops walk at Rode Hall and Gardens. Discover over 70 varieties of snowdrops on this mile-long route which takes in the diverse landscape of the hall’s grade II listed beautiful gardens.

Since 1833, over six generations of the Wilbraham family have been planting the white flowers – which are also available for visitors to buy. As well as the carpets of white flowers, highlights include the two acre walled kitchen garden and spectacular views down the Colonel’s Walk.

Rode Hall & Gardens, Scholar Green, ST7 3QP

www.rodehall.co.uk

Also this month

1st: Swan Lake

This tragic romance is brought to life by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia. Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JE.

www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/

18th – 26th: Scarecrow Festival

Over 30 scarecrows will become residents at Tatton’s gardens. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN.

www.tattonpark.org.uk

MARCH

29th

Cheshire Woman of the Year 2017

The Cheshire Woman of the Year Award has been recognising inspirational women of the county since 1984, and raised more than £280,000 to help children and families in Cheshire and Wirral. The awards, held again this year at the Duke of Westminster’s home, Eaton Park, reward women from all walks of life who have shown personal courage, achieved outstanding professional success or given services to their local community.

Sylvia Cheater, chair of the committee, said: ‘The Cheshire Woman of the Year celebration is a way of paying tribute to all women across the region who have made a real difference to their communities - many are unsung heroines. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors it also raises much needed funds for the NSPCC and Childline.’

www.cheshirewomanoftheyear.co.uk

Also this month

31st: Rick Astley

Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS. Tel: 0161 907 9000,

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

26th: Cheshire 10k

Race around the picturesque roads of Antrobus, starting from Arley Hall.

www.cheshire10k.com

APRIL

14th

Chester City Passion

After the successful 2016 production, Chester Mystery Plays are returning in association with Churches Together, Theatre in the Quarter and Link-Up for another performance on the streets of Chester on Good Friday.

The company will again use Chester’s streets and Rows as a theatre, telling the story from Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem (under the Eastgate Clock) to the crucifixion, outside the West Door of the Cathedral.

www.chestermysteryplays.com

Also this month

8th – 17th: Lambing Fortnight at the Farm

Will you be lucky enough to see a lamb born at Tatton Park? Tatton Park, Knutsford, WA16 6QN.

www.tattonpark.org.uk

15th – 17th: Chester Food and Drink Festival

Feast on a wealth of treats and watch celebrity chefs cook up a storm. Chester Racecourse, Chester, CH1 2LY.

www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk

21st-23rd: Kelsall Hill Horse Trials

The popular British Eventing spring event returns. Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre, Organsdale Farm, Middlewich Road, Kelsall, Tarporley, CW6 0SR.

www.kelsallhill.co.uk

MAY

26th

KT Tunstall

Brit Award and Ivor Novello award-winning KT Tunstall will be returning to the Parr Hall in Warrington. One of eight dates on her 2017 tour, the singer will be performing songs from her new album, It Took Me So Long to Get Here, But Here I Am, which was released in 2016 to rave reviews. As well as her new tour, KT is also spending the start of 2017 supporting Simple Minds across Europe.

Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL

www.pyramidparrhall.com

Also this month

20th – 21st: WOW – Women of the World

Line-up of inspirational speakers, performance, comedy, panel discussions, music, networking and workshops. The festival provides a platform to celebrate women and girls. Storyhouse, 55-57 Watergate Row South, Chester, CH12LE.

www.storyhouse.com

From 26th: Edo-pop: Japanese Prints

This intriguing exhibition features a series of colourful Ukiyo-e wood block prints depicting the contemporary culture of 19th century Japan. Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, CH62 5EQ.

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever

28th – 29th: Classic Car Show

Marvel at vintage cars and motorbikes. Capesthorne Hall, Congleton Road, Siddington, Macclesfield, SK11 9JY.

www.classicshows.org

JUNE

9th – 11th

Cholmondeley Power and Speed

A huge success for a number of years, the Cholmondeley Power and Speed (CPAS) is a three-day extravaganza attracts of thrilling land, air and water events at the Castle.

Last year, 40,000 visitors attended the event, which included the first running of Motorshow Live! (Cholmondeley’s ride and drive event), a supercar celebration headlined by the Ferrari FXX and a beer, food and comedy festival.

The 2017 programme is yet to be finalised, but you can expect to see classic scramblers, fast cars, rib rides and air displays.

www.cpop.co.uk

Also this month

All month: Northwich Literary Festival

Around 15 varied events, ranging from talks with authors, celebrities and a short story competition.

For more information contact susi.osborne@hotmail.co.uk

15th -18th : Bolesworth CSI**** International

Bring the family to watch amazing show jumping before enjoying music in the evening. Bolesworth International, Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, CH3 9HQ.

www.bolesworthinternational.com

16th – 18th: Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival

This year celebrates 27 years of the folk and roots music weekend festival.

www.midfest.org.uk

20th – 21st: The Royal Cheshire County Show

One of the most highly-anticipated agricultural shows in the county, regularly attracting in excess of 80,000 people to the 300-acre showground at Tabley, near Knutsford.

www.royalcheshireshow.org

JULY

8th:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Arrive at Dunham Massey and be whisked away to a world of magical forests and star-crossed lovers with this performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. With beautifully designed Elizabethan-style costumes, a wonderful musical score and enchanting woodland creatures, this piece of summer garden theatre is being brought to Cheshire by Chapter House Theatre Company.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the performance with family and friends in the picturesque surroundings of Dunham Massey’s garden. The Georgian mansion, owned by the National Trust, is a spectacular backdrop to this classic story.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Also this month

19th – 23rd: RHS Tatton

The floral extravaganza returns with stunning displays, show gardens and celebrity talks. Tatton Park, Mereheath Drive, Knutsford, WA16 6QN.

www.rhs.org.uk/tatton

27th: Nantwich Show

Popular agricultural show which also encompasses the famous International Cheese Awards. Nantwich Showground, Nantwich, CW5 8LB.

www.nantwichshow.co.uk

28th – 30th: Carfest North

DJ Chris Evans’ jam-packed charity motors event for BBC’s Children in Need. Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, CH3 9HQ.

www.carfest.org

AUGUST

26th

Ladies’ Day at Chester Racecourse

One of the many horse racing events held at Chester racecourse throughout the year. Pop the champagne and put your best foot forward on Ladies’ Day. The raceday gives the stylish men and women of Cheshire the opportunity to show off their fashion sense with the added bonus of possibly winning a prize.

Chester Racecourse, Watergate Square, Chester, CH1 2LY

www.chester-races.co.uk

Also this month

4th – 6th: Rewind North

Festival goers can expect to see their favourite 80’s acts along with fun fairs, silent discos and kidzones. Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield.

www.rewindfestival.com.

Throughout August Gawsworth Hall Garden Theatre

For decades, summer performances at Gawsworth have been a huge part of the Cheshire summer calendar. They take place at the Hall’s sunken lawn against the backdrop of the Tudor courtyard, with audiences sitting in a covered grandstand.

www.gawsworthhall.com

SEPTEMBER

23rd – 24th:

Arley Hall Food Festival

This jam-packed festival returns for another year to Arley Hall. As well as a huge food marquee and artisan market containing hundreds of things to eat, drink and buy from local businesses, the food festival will also include demonstrations from top chefs, many from local restaurants showing off their skills and making dishes live on stage. The popular Cake Off and Men vs Food Challenges are bound to make a return, and for those younger chefs there are also children’s cookery classes.

But it’s not just about the food. The festival also features live music over the weekend and plenty of activities for children.

www.greatbritishfoodfestival.com/arley-hall

Also in September

9th – 10th: Tough Mudder

Navigate over 20 obstacles on this notoriously muddy 10 mile run. Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, SY14 8HA.

www.toughmudder.co.uk

15th – 17th: The MCE British Superbike Championship

Exciting racing action. Oulton Park Circuit, Little Budworth, CW6 9BW.

www.oultonpark.co.uk

18th – 22nd: Wirral Golf Classic

Taking place over four Wirral courses, this 72-hole Stableford competition is open to men and women amateur golfers.

www.wirralgolfclassic.co.uk

OCTOBER

Dates TBC

Knutsford Literature Festival

Initially launched as a millennium event, the Knutsford Literature Festival is now held annually in the historic town market town.

The festival continues to attract top-name speakers on a wide range of subjects, and previous years have included guests such as Bel Mooney and Michael Portillo.

Check the site to see what this year’s event will be taking place and the events included.

www.knutsfordlitfest.org

Also this month

28th:Nantwich Spooktacular

The spooky Halloween-themed evening returns complete with bonfire, fancy dress competition and fireworks by Blitz Fireworks display team.

www.nantwichspooktacular.com

NOVEMBER

Dates TBC

Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular

Held annually at the home of Lord and Lady Ashworth, the Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular is a festive event in aid of charity. Organised and run by volunteers, the Christmas event brings together an array of hand-picked stalls, offering everything from delicious food and stocking fillers to stunning gifts and homewares.

www.arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk

Also this month

Date TBC: Wilmslow Fireworks and Bonfire

Cheshire’s biggest charity bonfire and fireworks display organised by Wilmslow and District Round Table.

www.wilmslowfireworks.co.uk

Throughout November: Dunham Massey’s Winter Garden

Visit Dunham Massey’s Winter Garden, the largest of its kind in the UK.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

DECEMBER

Dates TBC

Christmas in Chester

From the markets, selling a range of local and international wares, to Christmas parades through the street, you’re bound to find something fun for all the family to enjoy in the city centre. There’s usually a programme of events at Chester Cathedral, so keep an eye on their calendar for carol concerts and film screenings.

www.christmasinchester.com

Also this month

Dates TBC: Yuletide celebrations at Little Moreton Hall

Enjoy a taste of a Tudor Christmas with decorations, displays and entertainment for all ages. Congleton, CW12 4SD.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall