Festival for the Future at West Cheshire Museums

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
west Cheshire museums

Festival for the Future at West Cheshire Museums at Grosvenor Museum, Chester Lion Salt Works, Cheshire 1 — 30 July 2022 Entrance is free — Visit now

Over the duration of July, West Cheshire museums are teaming up to curate a month of climate friendly activities, talks, films and ways to engage with this often intimidatingly urgent topic. The Festival for the Future is a collaboration between Eco Communities, Weigh of the world, the local councils and a group of four museums. You can expect to find a good mix of ecologically focused happenings such as giant litter picks, clothes swaps and insightful exhibitions, but with a good sprinkling of summer festival fun thrown in with outdoor yoga, face painting and climate focused pub quizzes.

wildlife workshops from the RSPCA and sessions where you can make your own upcycled and reusable wax wraps and washing up scrubbers

Pictured above is the Ghost Whale. This giant whale made entirely from plastic currently lives in the Grosvenor Museum and is part of a wider exhibition about plastic pollution and climate change. If you’re someone who’s been actively trying to use less plastic and have intriguing artefacts that have helped you on your plastic reduction journey, get in touch via the website and your submission might end up alongside the Ghost Whale.

The climate crisis takes place globally and this can be seen in the festival through circus performances that comment on our individual relationships with the world. However, there are always ways we can impact the planet locally. Learn how you can actively make small yet significant impacts on your local environment with wildlife workshops from the RSPCA and sessions where you can make your own upcycled and reusable wax wraps or washing up scrubbers.

Each weekend sees a packed programme of film screenings, augmented reality exhibitions, special events and performances. Most of these are drop in or free to attend but be sure to check the programme as some events, such as the eco open mic night or the Ceilidh on the final night of the festival, require booking ahead.

Festival for the Future at West Cheshire Museums at Grosvenor Museum, Chester Lion Salt Works, Cheshire 1 — 30 July 2022 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Festival for the Future at West Cheshire Museums

Chester
Tourist Attraction
Chester Castle

Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070 and became the administrative centre of the earldom of Chester.

Gallery stock image
Cheshire
Event venue
St Mary’s Creative Space

St Mary’s Creative Space in Cheshire is a rehearsal and exhibition space which regularly has exciting projects on for the public.

Oddfellows hotel, Chester
Chester
Hotel
Oddfellows

Oddfellows hotel inhabits a Georgian townhouse right bang in the middle of Chester, only moments away from the river.

St Mary’s Creative Space, Chester
Chester
Event venue
St Mary’s Creative Space

St Mary’s is a fantastic rehearsal, performance and exhibition space right in the heart of Chester, and is available to the whole community.

Dewa Roman Experience
Chester
Museum
Dewa Roman Experience

Dewa Roman Experience occupies a unique site at the heart of the original legionary fortress. In 1991 archaeologists discovered remains of the fortress on this site and the excavations have been left open for public viewing.

Abode Hotel Chester
Chester
Hotel
Abode Chester

Unique, stylish accommodation in the heart of the city of Chester. With unparalleled views of England’s oldest working racecourse, the contemporary Abode Chester offers a warm welcome in the heart of the city.

Chester Roman Gardens
Chester
Park
Roman Gardens

Chester’s Roman Gardens are a pleasant place for a stroll and during the summer months the place to watch a film at the annual, outdoor, Moonlight Flicks cinema programme.

Edgar House hotel, Chester
Chester
Hotel
Edgar House

Edgar House is a fine period Georgian house which has been lovingly refurbished to create Chester’s award winning premier small luxury hotel – just for adults.

Little Roodee Cafe, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Little Roodee Cafe

This is the meeting point for Chester Cycle Tours who will help you to explore Chester’s most fascinating places with views and landmarks you won’t see on a typical bus or walking tour.

Weasel and the Bug, Chester
Chester
Shop
Weasel and the Bug

Weasel and The Bug believe that you should buy well and pass on, and that toys should be powered by children, not batteries. Taking care of the planet is a priority for many parents and pleasingly, Weasel and The Bug only stock products which are sustainably sourced.

Gallery stock image
Cheshire
Gallery
Watergate Street Gallery

This contemporary Art Gallery In Chester displays and sells original and affordable works, with regular new exhibitions listed on their website.

The Antiques Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Antiques Shop

The Antiques Shop is housed within the Rows of Chester and has been owned and run by the same antiques dealer for nearly 30 years, selling British antiques and vintage items.

What's on: Activity

Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
Until
ActivityManchester
Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.

from £35
Until
ActivityManchester
Floating Art Workshops

Join expert teacher Ula for relaxed painting workshops that will have you creating work you can be proud of, no matter your level of artistic experience.

from £24.30

Culture Guides

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.

The Super Duper Family Festival
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.