This weekend will see the return of Chester-le-EATS Food, Drink and Music Festival 2025… and it’s set to be the biggest one yet.
Now in its fourth year, the free event – held at Banks Home Riverside, the home of Durham Cricket – will see more food and drink traders taking part offering everything from street food to craft gin and rum, bakes cakes and so much more.
Chester-le-EATS will take place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 29th.
Here is everything you need to know, from what’s on, family fun, the music line-up and where to park.
Chester-le-EATS large crowds for 2024. Gareth Williams Photography.
What’s on at Chester-le-EATS this year?
Step into a flavour-packed weekend with Chester-le-EATS 2025. From Indian and Sri Lankan street food to mac ‘n’ cheese, loaded fries and Japanese and Korean cuisine, there’s something for every palate. Sip on craft drinks, browse unique stalls, enjoy vibrant entertainment, and soak in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
This Year’s Food and Drink Line-Up
The trader list is full of exciting names – local favourites and new faces alike – promising a diverse array of food, drink, and treats. Discover flavours from around the world, and find your new foodie obsessions.
From the street food line up featuring Chicken Ting, Truly Torta, Redheads Mac ‘N’ Cheese to from favourites such as Spud Gun Loaded fries and My Delhi, the event promises to be a taste bud tour of flavours.
The event can be accessed via Gate 1 and all street food trucks will be based in the car park. Market Street, featuring craft rum, portuguese tarts, speciality hot sauces, South African biltong and delicious desserts, will also be based in this area,
Hungry for traybakes, thirsty for craft gin, or hunting down artisan cheese and quirky prints to brighten up your home? You’ll find it all in the Geoff Cook Suite inside Tower 2 – a foodie and makers’ marketplace bursting with flavour and creativity.
Spud Gun Loaded Fries and Smash Burgers ready to cook up a storm this year! Gareth Williams Photography.
What Live Entertainment Is At Chester-le-EATS
Prepare for a vibrant entertainment programme across both days as Chester-le-EATS cranks up the energy with a powerhouse line-up of live performances, spotlighting some of the North East’s finest musical talent.
Saturday 27th September
11:30 Maddy Storey
12:30 Rock Choir
13:00 Euphoria Dance Academy
13:15 Hollie Wild
14:00 Rock Choir
14:30 Jack Cummings
15:30 James Hedley
Sunday 28th September
11:45 David Red
13:00 Dave Lynas
14:30 Paul Gray
15:30 Stephen Wilson
The main stage is packed full of fantastic local artists! Gareth Williams Photography.
Is Chester-le-EATS family friendly?
Alongside the music, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of entertainment, including: funfair rides, The Family Zone provided by Everyone Active, and eye-catching stilt walkers.
Plus, high-energy dance showcases by the incredible Euphoria Dance Academy to laugh-out-loud street theatre from the much-loved Dinner Ladies and Flower Pot Men, the entertainment never stops.
Ythan Sale, Durham Cricket Event Manager, said: “Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, a family looking for a great weekend, we’ve got it all here at Chester-le-EATS, and we can not wait to welcome familiar faces as well as see news ones this year.”
When & Where, And Where To Park:
- Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th September
- 11:00am – 5:00pm both days
- Gate 1, Banks Homes Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR
- Entry: Free for all
- Parking: Pay and Display at Riverside, DH3 3SJ
Questions about the event?
If we didn't answer your questions here, please get in touch so our events team can help!