Chester-le-EATS is set to return this September for the fifth time – with even more food and drink to enjoy plus new masterclasses as part of the event.
The food, drink and music festival returns to Banks Homes Riverside, the home of Durham Cricket, on Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27, promising another packed weekend of streetfood, live music, family entertainment, and interactive foodie experiences.
After four successful years showcasing the best flavours from across the North East and beyond, organisers are introducing a programme of exclusive, bookable masterclasses hosted in Durham Cricket’s executive boxes.
These sessions will give festivalgoers the chance to get up close with some of the region’s leading food and drink experts – offering fun, hands-on experiences that celebrate local produce, flavours and craftsmanship.
Durham’s Crush Wine Bar, owned by Daniel Jonberger, will present Uncorked – A Wine & Food Tasting Experience. Guests will be guided through four specially selected wines, each paired with small plates.
Wing lovers are in for a treat as Newcastle-based Hen & Hops presents a flavour-packed beer and wing masterclass hosted by business co-owner Ally Chambers. The independent restaurant specialises in chicken wings and produces its own sauces and marinades. Guests will get to enjoy eight wings marinated in Hen & Hops’ signature sauces alongside five local beers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase their favourite sauces to take home.
Gin enthusiasts can also raise a glass during Distilled – a masterclass hosted by Tin of Sardines, which is based in both Durham City and Roker. The masterclass will feature four speciality gins, and guests will learn about each while discussing how to pair them with mixers and garnishes. Guests will also be treated to Tin’s signature cheese and charcuterie board, and have the chance to purchase gins, tonics, dried garnishes, and glassware.
The masterclasses will take place on each day of the event at noon, 1.45pm and 3.30pm and they are all priced at £35 per person.
Ythan Sale, Durham Cricket’s events manager, said: “Reaching our fifth year is a huge milestone for Chester-le-EATS and we wanted to celebrate in a big way. The event has grown year-on-year and the support from the local community has been incredible.
“The new masterclasses give people the chance to experience Chester-le-EATS in a completely different way – whether that’s discovering new tastes, learning more about wine, or enjoying expertly matched gins with friends.
“We’re really excited to bring something fresh and fun to the festival while keeping everything people already know and love about the weekend.”
Chester-le-EATS 2026 will remain free to enter with a packed lineup of streetfood traders, artisan producers, live music and family-friendly entertainment taking place across the weekend. The festival is also dog-friendly.
Tickets for the masterclasses must be pre-booked by contacting the Durham Cricket events team on 0191 387 2876 or events@durhamcricket.co.uk
For more information about Chester-le-EATS 2026, visit www.durhamcricket.co.uk/events/chester-le-eats/
