Local arts and activity groups
If you would like your group to be included on this list, please get in touch with the Art Team requesting a Voluntary Arts database form:
AgainstTHEGRAIN
Against The Grain are a theatre collective comprised of a small number of actors, directors and writers staging 3-4 productions per year in Chester.
- Meet at: Performances staged 3-4 times per year at various venues in Chester and surrounding areas
- Email: againstthegraintheatre@hotmail.com
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Caldy Valley Voices
Friendly community choir welcoming all ages and abilities. Meet weekly, singing choral music from a wide range of musical genre.
- Meet at: Caldy Valley Church, Caldy Valley Road, Boughton, Chester, CH3 5PR
- Email: caldyvalleyvoices@gmail.com
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Capenhurst Art Club
Encourages members to pursue their artistic ambitions in a variety of mediums, through tutoring and personal development. We also hold an annual exhibition of our own work every October.
- Meet at: Capenhurst and Ledsham Village Hall, Capenhurst, Chester, CH1 6HE
- Email: thornhey@farming.co.uk
Cheshire Chord Company
A versatile vibrant, award-winning ladies a cappella chorus, specialising in exciting, high energy performances. Repertoire includes ballards to jazz; and pop to barbershop.
- Meet at: William Beamont Community School, Long Lane, Warrington, WA2 8PX.
- Website: www.cheshirechord.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester and North-East Wales Organists' and Choirmasters' Association
CNEWOCA exists to promote the organ and it's repertoire by providing events and forums for organists, choirmasters and all who enjoy listening to organ and choral music.
- Meet at: Different venues, details are published in a monthly newsletter.
- Website: www.cnewoca.org.uk/
Chester Bach Singers
A choir of about 40 voices, was formed in 1976 and has, since then, established itself as a leading chamber choir in the North West, giving five or more concerts per year in the Chester area. Programmes include large-scale choral works with orchestra as well as chamber works ancient and modern. The choir is committed to musical excellence and to the encouragement of young musical talent. Admission to the choir is by audition.
- Meet at: King's School, Chester
- Email: info@chesterbachsingers.org.uk
- Website: http://www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester Debating Society
Promote debate by proposing and opposing a variety of topics. Members are invited to join in the debate in accordance with our agreed protocol.
- Meet at: Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3LF
- Email: chesterdebating@hotmail.co.uk
- Also on Facebook
Chester Film Society
Chester Film Society offers the chance to see some of the finer films of world cinema in a relaxing and appreciative atmosphere.
- Meet at: Various Chester venues inc. St Mary’s and Grosvenor Museum (details on website)
- Email: info@chesterfilmfans.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester Folk Survivors
Organisers of the Chester Folk Festival, February Folk Day and other folk music events.
- Meet at: various
- Contact: Chester Folk Survivors, PO Box 3695, Chester, CH1 9RQ
- Email: info@chesterfolk.org.uk
- Website: www.chesterfolk.org.uk/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester in Concert
Produces the Music in Chester and District website to raise the profile of live music in Chester and District. Details are also put into a printed leaflet.
Chester Ladies Choir
We are a group of 50 ladies who love to sing! We sing a varied repertoire and perform two main concerts each year as well as charity concerts and weddings. New members are welcome.
- Meet at: St Lukes's Church, Huntington on Tuesdays at 7.30pm
- Email: tclchoir@outlook.com
- Website: http://www.chesterladieschoir.co.uk/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester Music Society
Chester Music Society promotes and encourages performances of classical music and choral music through the four arms of society: choir, celebrity concerts, club and youth choirs.
- Meet at: St Mary's Centre, Chester Cathedral and All Saints Church, Hoole.
- Email: info@chestermusicsociety.org.uk
- Website: http://www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk/
- Also on Facebook
Chester Music Society Choir
A community choir of 170 members performing major choral classics.
- Meet at: Queen's School, Chester
- Email: info@chestermusicsociety.org.uk
- Website: http://www.chestermusicsociety.org.uk/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester Operatic Society
Stages full musical theatre productions and concerts in and around the city. Concerts present lively combinations of musical theatre, light opera, classical and popular music. A registered Educational Charity keen to promote the participation in and appreciation of the operatic and dramatic arts. Established in 1922.
- Meet at: St Andrew's United Reformed Church Hall, Handbridge
- Email: info@chesteroperatic.co.uk
- Website: chesteroperatic.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester Philharmonic Orchestra
Chester Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the premier non-professional orchestras in North West England. More details about their concerts can be found on their website.
- Meet at: All Saints Church Centre, Hoole, Chester
- Website: www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk
- Contact form: www.chesterphilorchestra.co.uk/contact
- Also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Chester Photographic Society
Organises a programme of lectures, competitions and formal and informal instruction relating to photography. Aimed at amateur photographers from beginners to advanced workers.
- Meet at: Grosvenor Museum, Grosvenor Street, Chester, CH1 2DD or United Reform Church, Oldfield Drive, Vicars Cross, Chester, CH3 5LL
- Website: https://chesterps.org/
- Also on Facebook
Chester Schools Concert Band
Gives young musicians the opportunity to play an extended repertoire of music in addition to that played in school bands. We undertake a foreign tour every two years. Rehearsals Tuesdays during term time.
- Meet at: Bishops High School, Vaughans Lane, Chester, CH3 5XF
Chester Little Theatre
Award winning amateur drama club presents six productions annually and welcomes new members for involvement in all aspects of producing plays and running its own theatre.
- Meet at: Chester Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Newtown, Chester, CH1 3HR
- Telephone: 01244 322 674
- Email: info@chestertheatreclub.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chester Writers
A friendly, informal group which is open to every sort of creative writing. Provide constructive criticism and socialising for creative writers. We have occasional group projects and writing themes.
- Meet at: Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester CH1 2AR
- Website: http://chesterwriters.blogspot.com
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
City of Chester Brass Band
A local band for people of all abilities. We are also available for concerts etc.
- Meet at: The Bandroom, Bedward Row, Chester
- Email: secretary@chesterbrass.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
The City of Chester Male Voice Choir
The Choir is long established in the City, is a registered charity and performs in concert for a variety of charities, holds its own festival concerts twice a year and a Christmas concerts. The Choir is a favourite for wedding ceremonies too. The choir has won many accolades over the years and its motto is 'We Sing to Serve'.
- Meet at: Hoole Methodist Church, Hamilton St, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3JG
- Website: http://www.chestermalevoice.com/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Con Fuoco
We are a small friendly group or woodwind players - mainly adult returners and young people just out of formal education. We play a range of charitable concerts throughout the year with a wide repertoire of music.
- Meet: St Clare's Parish Hall, Hawthorne Road, Lache, Chester, CH4 8HH
Deva Flamenco
Deva Flamenco are a voluntary community group who promote appreciation of flamenco. Weekly dance classes, occasional workshops by visiting dancers, talks, workshops for schools and community groups. Dance shows.
- Meet at: New Scene, Limewood Close, Newton Lane, Chester CH2 2HH.
- Contact: Christine Stockton
- Telephone: 01244 383293
- Email: stockton.christine@googlemail.com
- Also on Facebook
Farndon and District Brass Band
The Friendly Band, established in 1897. The band have an extremely enthusiastic MD, instruments and uniforms, they are looking to bolster their numbers with players required in all sections. The Band meets on Thursday evenings at 7.45pm, the juniors meet on Wednesdays at 7pm and the ensemble meet on Wednesdays at 8pm.
- Meet at: Churton Village Hall, Stannage Lane, Churton, CH3 6LE
- Email: info@farndonband.org.uk
- Website: www.farndonband.org.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Majestic Academy of Performing Art
We are a Chester-based non-franchise performing arts academy that works towards educating and training (dancing, singing, and drama) the next generation of artists.
- Meet at: Chester Music Theatre, Tarvin Road ,Chester, CH3 5DZ
- Email: info@majesticacademyofperformingarts.co.uk
Minerva Arts
Minerva Arts is a Youth Arts Education and Development Organisation based in Cheshire running Youth Theatre and other projects
- Meet at: Kingsway Buildings, Chester, CH2 2UB; Cheshire Military Museum, Chester, CH1 2DN; Malpas Young Person's Centre, Chester Road, SY14 8HT
- Contact: Steph Brocken
- Telephone: 07894 858934
- Email: minerva_arts@live.co.uk
Music at Wesley
A Music Society, promoting recitals and concerts at the Wesley Church Centre, raising Funds for its parent charity: Wesley Methodist Church, Chester.
- Meet at: Wesley Methodist Church, St John Street, Chester, CH1 1DA.
- Telephone: 01244 379275
- Website: https://www.wesleychester.co.uk/whats-on/music-wesley/
One A Chord
A friendly and welcoming mixed choir, of all ages, meeting once a week on Monday’s 7-8.30pm. We sing all sorts of styles and types of music, pop, musical theatre and classical, but all with the aim of having fun and enjoying a musical start to the week!
- Meet at: Stanley Palace, Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LF
Rastros no Ar Capoeira and Dance Community Interest Company
Developing and sharing capoeira (energetic Brazilian art form) and dance across Cheshire West and beyond through classes, workshops, events, after-school clubs and special projects.
- Meet at: The Unity Centre, 17 Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
- Email: piolhocapu@capoeirachester.co.uk
- Website: capoeirachester.co.uk
Simply Lyrical Choir
We are a friendly female choir of all ages, singing modern pop and songs from musicals. We meet every Wednesday evening at 8pm – 9.30pm. Free taster sessions.
- Email: sueell45@gmail.com
- Meet at: All Saints’ Church Hall, 2 Vicarage Road, Hoole, Chester , CH2 3HZ.
Society of Thirteen
We put on about 10 lectures a year (September to June, Monday evenings) of general interest (history, travel, art, science) and arrange occasional trips.
- Meet at: Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester
- Website: http://www.societyofthirteen.org.uk/
Tip Top Productions
TTP community theatre company producing panto yearly. All ages, experience, actors, singers & dancers are welcome.
- Meet at: The Forum Studio Theatre, Hamilton Place, Chester, CH1 2BH
- Telephone: 01244 341296
- Email: studio@tiptopproductions.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Upton Dramatic Society
We put on two amateur drama productions each year in December and March.
- Meet at: Upton Village Hall, 28 Heath Road, Upton, Chester, CH2 1HX
- Email: uptondramatic@yahoo.com
- Website: http://www.uptondrama.com
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Waverton Handbell Ringers
The Waverton Handbell Ringers are a well-respected group of musicians who enjoy ringing handbells and perform often throughout the year. We currently have three levels of ensembles from beginners to advanced. We strive to be the best musicians we can be on handbells.
- Meet at: Rowton Methodist Church, Moor Lane, Rowton, Chester
- Email: wendy@wavertonhbr.co.uk
Ellesmere Port Music Society
The Society has been promoting classical music in Ellesmere Port since April 1950. The choir was formed in 1953, and choral music has been our main activity since 1970.
- Meet at: The Whitby High School, Sycamore Drive, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, CH66 2NU
- Email: epmsnews@eomsonline.co.uk
- Website: http://www.epmsonline.co.uk/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Chalice Media Group
A group of local young people creating live performance of well known and original works by local writers in local venues.
- Meet at: 8 Cambridge Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 4AG
- Telephone: 0151 355 0367
- Email: chalicemedialimited@gmail.com
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Little Actors Theatre Company
We are a youth theatre for 2 1/2 to 18 year olds. We teach drama, singing and dance and do script work with our young people.
- Meet at: Neston Theatre Arts, 26-30 Brook Street, Neston, CH64 9XL
- Contact: Samantha Giblin
- Telephone: 0151 336 4302
- Email: mail@littleactorstheatre.com
- Website: http://www.littleactorstheatre.com/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Little Sutton Art Group
Up to 20 members meet each Thursday, with individual artists equipment. The members vary in ability using watercolour, pencil drawing and pastels. Social interaction makes this a friendly group.
- Meet at: Community Centre, Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port, CH66
Purple Gecko Youth/Purple Gecko Health
Dance group that provide a variety of dance lessons for children. Young people and over 55’s.
- Meet at: United Reformed Church, 2 Parkfield Drive, Whitby, CH65 6SN
- Contact: Samantha Hickey
- Email: info@purplegeckofitness.com
- Website: https://purplegeckoacademy.co.uk/
South Wirral Art Society
Aims to promote Visual Arts in the locality, develop skills and abilities of its 40 members, stay open to new ideas and approaches, exhibit two to three times a year. Meet two Tuesday evenings a month for professional demonstrations and practical sessions.
- Meet at: Ellesmere Port Golf Centre, Chester Road, Childer Thornton, Ellesmere Port, L66 1QF
- Website: http://www.swas.btck.co.uk/
Swing Collection Big Band
A friendly rehearsal band meeting weekly, occasional concerts, with a library of over 250 arrangements playing swing music of Count Basie, Glen Miller, etc
- Meet at: Little Stanney Village Hall, Stanney Lane, Little Stanney, Ellesmere Port, CH2 4HT
- Contact: Graham Leng
- Email: graham.leng@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/swing.collection.big.band
Byley Art Group
Provides group sessions for painting assignments and projects. Invites professional artists to give instruction, demonstration and advise. Watercolour and mixed media group.
- Meet at: Byley Village Hall, Moss Lane , Byley CW10 9NG
Condate Singers
Mixed, four-part choir singing all types of music from madrigals to pop classics. We perform by request for charitable groups.
- Meet at: 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Thursday evenings in Northwich Methodist Outreach Centre, Witton Street, Northwich, CW9 5EA
- Email: admin@condate.org.uk
- Website: www.condate.org.uk
- Also on Facebook
Cuddington and Sandiway Film Group
The group holds monthly evening film shows from September to April in the new Village Hall. Showings are part of the Rural Film Club Scheme via Cheshire West and Chester Council.
- Meet at: Cuddington and Sandiway Village Hall, Norley Road, Cuddington, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2LB
- Website: www.cuddingtonandsandiwayvillagehall.org.uk/
Davenham and Sandiway Players
The group presents plays and stages social events and provides entertainment for the local community.
- Meet at: 59 Church Street, Davenham, Nr Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8NF
- Telephone: 01606 259596
- Website: http://www.davenhamplayers.co.uk/
- Also on Facebook and Twitter
Harlequin Players
An amateur theatre group producing 6 plays per year, as well as occasional club nights and play readings.
- Meet at: Harlequin Theatre, Queen Street, Northwich, CW9 5JN
- Telephone: 01606 246831
- Website: http://www.harlequinplayers.com
Mid-Cheshire Camera Club
The Club provides facilities for its members to meet, discuss and attend lectures and demonstrations in photography and display their work in competitions and exhibitions. The club is affiliated to the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic union.
- Meet at: Dingle Recreation Centre, High Street, Winsford, CW7 2AS
- Website: http://www.midcheshirecameraclub.org/
- Also on Facebook
Northwich Folk Club
We meet every Friday, usually at 8pm, for singers' nights where all are welcome to perform or listen and for guest nights featuring local to international folk artists.
- Meet at: The Royal British Legion (Social) Club, Firth Fields, Davenham, Northwich, CW9 5JN
- Email: info@northwichfolk.co.uk
- Website: www.northwichfolk.co.uk
Northwich Photographic Society
The society meet to promote interest in and appreciation of digital still photography in all its forms, be it printed or projected, both technical and artistic. The society meet from 8pm until 10pm each Thursday from September to April with an extensive programme of visiting lecturers throughout the season to suit all interests together with monthly competitions.
- Meet at: Castle Community Church, Beeston Street, Northwich, CW8 1ER
- Website: www.northwichphotographicsociety.co.uk
Rivendell Singers
We are a very friendly choir of 35 voices giving six concerts a year of sacred, secular, serious and light-hearted pieces in venues around Cheshire.
- Meet at: 7.45pm on a Tuesday evening at Northwich Methodist Outreach Centre, Witton Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5LP
- Website: http://www.rivendellsingers.org.uk/
- Also on Facebook
Vale Royal Musical Theatre
Musical theatre group performing full musicals and fundraising concerts in and around Winsford. Members aged from 16 - 70. Friendly group, also need non-performing helpers. We meet on a Monday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
- Meet: Winsford
- Also on Facebook
Vale Royal Writers Group
Friendly group of writers/aspiring writers sharing news and encouragement with the option of reading work and getting feedback, meeting the first Monday of the month.
- Meet at: Blue Cap, Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, CW8 2DN
- Email: info@vrwg.co.uk
- Website: www.vrwg.co.uk
- Also on Facebook
Ashton Hayes Theatre Club
Ashton Hayes Theatre Club is an award-winning community drama group, presenting quality – often sell-out - performances 2 – 3 times a year. The club is friendly and inclusive, and welcomes individuals regardless of who they are.
- Meet at: Tarvin Community Centre, Meadow Close, Tarvin, CH3 8LY
- Email: admin@ahtc.org.uk
- Website: ahtc.org.uk
- Also on Facebook and X
Castle Park Arts Centre
Display art in four galleries. Run and host a variety of arts classes for adults and children. Rent galleries to 20 local societies. Seven craft units.
- Meet at: Castle Park, off Fountain Lane, Frodsham, CW6 6SA
- Contact: Mrs Kim Horton
- Telephone: 01928 735832
- Email: artscentreincastlepark@btinternet.com
- Also on Facebook and X
Decibellas
Founded in January 2010, by a group of women who love to sing, Decibellas has grown into an award-winning choir of over fifty voices. Based in Tarporley, Cheshire, the choir attracts members of varying ages and experience, from the surrounding area. As Katie, our Musical Director often tells us, "we all have the same instrument", so there are no auditions - Decibellas is a choir open to all women who love to sing. Our repertoire includes a wide range of uplifting music, including gospel, spiritual, choral and songs from musicals.
- Meet at: Tarporley Primary School
- Email: decibellas@gmail.com
- Website: www.decibellas.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and X
Cheshire Guild of Woodturners
Promotes the art of woodturning by meetings demonstrations and exhibitions and exchange of skills and ideas. Encourages members to aim for and produce high quality turnery and woodwork.
- Meet at: Plumley village hall Nr Knutsford
- Email: secretary@cgw.org.uk
Frodsham and District Choral Society
We are an amateur singers who sing a mixture of sacred and secular music, with a lighter more popular programme in the summer. We sing for enjoyment and as an education for ourselves and our audience.
- Meet at: Frodsham Methodist Church, Kingsley Road, Frodsham, WA6 6BA
- Email: enquiry@fdcs.org.uk
- Website: fdcs.org.uk
- Also on Facebook and X
Frodsham Players
Perform two productions a year, modern/classic drama - room for new members both acting/non acting.
- Meet at: Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham WA6 7QN
- Website: www.frodshamplayers.com
- Also on Facebook and X
Kelsborrow Choir
Study and practice of choral music to foster appreciation of such music by means of public performance and raise money for charities by so doing.
- Meet at: The Old School opposite the Church in Ashton Hayes
- Website: www.kelsborrowchoir.org
- Also on Facebook
Little Actors Theatre Company
We are a youth theatre for 2 1/2 to 18 year olds. We teach drama, singing and dance and do script work with our young people.
- Meet at: Neston Theatre Arts, 26-30 Brook Street, Neston, CH64 9XL
- Contact: Samantha Giblin
- Telephone: 0151 336 4302
- Email: mail@littleactorstheatre.com
- Website: www.littleactorstheatre.com
- Also on Facebook and X
Cantoris
Cantoris is a chamber choir made up of semi-professional singers and students. We put on 10-12 concerts a year around the North West to raise money for local charities.
- Meet at: Norley Parish Centre
- Email: cantoris2018@gmail.com
Minerva Arts
Minerva Arts is a Youth Arts Education and Development Organisation based in Cheshire running Youth Theatre and other projects
- Meet at: Kingsway Buildings, Chester, CH2 2UB; Cheshire Military Museum, Chester, CH1 2DN; Malpas Young Person's Centre, Chester Road, SY14 8HT
- Contact: Steph Brocken
- Email: minerva_arts@live.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and X
Guilden Sutton Players
We are an award winning dramatic group that perform in a studio setting May and November each year to an audience of around 120.
- Meet at: Marigold Room, Guilden Sutton Village Hall, Guilden Sutton, Nr Chester
- Email: enquiries@guildensuttonplayers.org
- Also on Facebook and X
Jan Modelski Community Orchestra
Three orchestras, of different standards, meet weekly to rehearse for concerts, 2-4 a year. Atmosphere is friendly and informal while encouraging the development of musical skills.
- Meet at: Barrow Village Hall, Main Street, Great Barrow, Chester, CH3 7HX
- Email: jmorchestra@hotmail.co.uk
- Website: www.thejanmodelskiorchestra.co.uk
- Also on Facebook and X
Tarporley Band
Brass Band playing a wide selection of music. Rehearsing on Thursday evenings. All ages and abilities to meet and make music together.
- Meet at: Tarporley Band Hall, off The Close, High st, Tarporley, CW6 0DX
- Email: contact@tarporleyband.org.uk
- Website: www.tarporleyband.org.uk
Waverton Handbell Ringers
The Waverton Handbell Ringers are a well-respected group of musicians who enjoy ringing handbells and perform often throughout the year. We currently have three levels of ensembles from beginners to advanced. We strive to be the best musicians we can be on handbells.
- Meet at: Rowton Methodist Church, Moor Lane, Rowton, Chester
- Email: wendy@wavertonhbr.co.uk
Zodiac Amateur Operatic Society
The Zodiac is an award winning amateur theatre society based in Runcorn and Frodsham. Must be over 16.
- Meet at: FCC or Manor House School, Longdale Way Frodsham
- Email: chairman@zaos.org.uk
- Website: www.thezodiac.org
- Also on Facebook and X
Helsby Concert Band
Helsby Concert Band is a community wind band open to all brass, woodwind and percussion players of all abilities.
- Meet at: Hornsmill Primary School, Denbigh Close, Helsby WA6 0ED
- Email: helsbyconcertband@hotmail.com
- Also on Facebook, Instagram and X