Biggest, boldest, and most celebratory edition yet.
Durham Cricket is delighted to announce that Chester-le-EATS will return on Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September 2026 – and this year, the festival celebrates its fifth birthday.
Plans are already well underway for what promises to be the biggest, boldest, and most celebratory edition yet.
Marking half a decade of flavour, music and community spirit, this won’t be a reinvention year – it’s a celebration of everything that makes Chester-le-EATS special. The 2026 anniversary event will build on its “Biggest One Yet” ethos, with more traders, new experiential elements and an even greater festival atmosphere across the weekend.
The line-up already promises a fantastic mix of returning legends and fresh faces. From day-one favourites such as Spud Gun Loaded Fries, who have supported the festival since its launch, to exciting new additions like Grandpa’s Fish Bar, bringing traditional fish and chips with a modern festival twist.
Ythan Sale, Events Manager at Durham Cricket, said:
“We’ve started planning early this year because this is a milestone moment for us. Five years of Chester-le-EATS is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we want to make sure everyone has the date firmly in their diary.
Over the winter, we’ve taken a step back to look at the DNA of the festival, what makes it work, what our community loves, how we elevate that for its fifth birthday. It will absolutely be a celebration of the food, drinks, and live music that people know and love, but we’re also exploring the introduction of masterclasses and curated experiences for those who want to dive a little deeper into the world of food and drink.
This isn’t just another year. It’s a proper anniversary celebration.”
So, save the date.
Chester-le-EATS returns to Durham Cricket on 26th & 27th September 2026, and if the first four years are anything to go by, you won’t want to miss what’s next.
Do you have a question about Chester-le-EATS this year?
Whether it’s about becoming a trader, what time the gates open, or even what candles we’re putting on the birthday cake, this is your chance to ask away.