FAQs

We hope you find the information below useful. Still got a question? Ask away by emailing us.

Q: How can I receive the latest ATfest news?
A: Sign up to our mailing list to receive updates direct to your inbox and follow us on social media.

Q: Who is ATfest aimed at?
A: Everyone! The festival aims to demonstrate to as many people as possible, from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible, that they can get to wherever they want to in the cheapest, greenest way. So, the intention is not only to promote an active, healthy lifestyle and tackle climate change, but also, to provide the perfect opportunity to explore all that our glorious city of Chester has to offer, on foot, or in the saddle.

Q: How much will it cost?
A: Entry to ATfest is FREE. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to participation. However, some venues such as Storyhouse or The Watergate Gallery may charge for certain events – these will appear as PAID FOR EVENT on the ‘What’s On’ page which is coming soon!

Q: Who is organising ATfest?
A: Active Cheshire is the lead organisation – as a charity and not-for-profit limited company – and is supported by volunteers from other local organisations, such as Chester Cycling Campaign, Chester Sustainability Forum, CRAG and Living Streets.

Q: Is ATfest suitable for all abilities?
A: Yes. There are lots of different routes and activities which walkers, cyclists and wheelers can explore and enjoy at their own pace.

Q: Will there be storage for my bike?
A: Yes. There are numerous bike racks on the main streets of the city and both Chester Market parking offers secure bike parking and additional cycle storage racks will be available near the ‘Festival Village’ on the Castle Drive site on the day.

Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes, Atfest is a family friendly festival.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Well behaved dogs are welcome.

Q: Are the routes marked out?
A: All of the Cheshire West & Chester Council approved and colour-coded routes are available to download for FREE on our Resources page.

Q: Can I download an ATfest map?
A: A festival map will be available to download closer to the event date.

Q: Can I download a schedule of events?
A: A ‘What’s On’ schedule will be available closer to the event date.

Q: Do I need to register when I arrive at the event?
A: Yes, you will need to come to the registration tent in the ‘Festival Village’ on Castle Drive. On registration you will be issued with a festival wristband which will allow you access into the various venues, events and group rides and walks. (TBC)

Q: Will food and drinks be on sale?
A: Yes. Food and drinks will be on sale at venues throughout the city-centre, including the ‘Festival Village’ on Castle Drive. (TBC)

Team Talk

Chester is a unique city with a fabulous range of historical and modern features, excellent facilities and a vibrant community. Its compact nature means that all of these are readily accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Some aspects of our city centre infrastructure limit easy access by walking, cycling or wheeling but it is a far more accessible city than many residents realise. Active Travel for those 1-2 mile journeys into and across the city is a real alternative, with many more possible routes than people realise. Why not join us on 18th June 2023 and help us to broaden your knowledge and experience. Register now…

Whether you are motivated to improve the health and well-being of yourself and your family, or feel passionate about the need to reduce city centre air pollution and limit the risk of respiratory diseases, or you just want to make a small step to help reduce your carbon footprint, Chester’s first Active Travel Festival is a great place to start.

We will be working with local school, social and business communities to encourage as many people as we can to join in the fun and entertainment provided on the day. We also want to make sure that the journey into the city is part of the fun by encouraging community groups to travel in together, maybe in fancy dress, maybe dressed in school sports wear, maybe with decorated bikes. It’s up to you all to make it fun for everyone.
Email us now with other ideas that you may have to make the day more fun.

Our ambition is to ensure that at least 2000 residents from Chester and its near suburbs feel motivated to join us for a day of fun, entertainment and education. However there is also a serious side to our ambitions for ATfest 2023. We hope for many residents to make this event a first step for them to make a significant change in their travel behaviour.

In this process before, during and after the event, we want to understand the real and practical issues that dissuade people from using active travel and thereby identify ways to mitigate against these constraints and barriers in the future. Your participation and honest feedback will play a major part is helping us to achieve this ambition. Register now and complete our survey.