When?
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th October 2024
What Time?
5th & 6th October
Gates Open: 11:00
Event Finishes: 18:00
Please note timings are subject to change. The most up to date information will always be provided on: https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/events/chester-le-eats/
What to Expect
🎉 Chester-le-EATS burst onto the scene in 2022 and quickly became the ultimate festival for foodies, music lovers, and good vibes! 🍔🎶 This year, we’ve handpicked the best food and drink suppliers in the North East to join us for an unbelievable weekend! 🤩
Inspired by the retro magic of the ’80s – think psychedelic visuals, iconic tunes, and a whole lot of fun – we’re bringing the best of that epic decade straight to Chester-le-Street! 🌈💥
Get ready to party like it’s 1985! 😎🕺
Will There Be Entertainment?
Yes! This isn’t just a food festival – it’s a full-on party! 🎉🍔 We’ve got live musicians all weekend and a DJ to keep you dancing for 7 hours straight! 🎶💃
Plus, don’t miss special guest appearances from Chester and River the Lions 🦁, the Everyone Active Family Zone, fun rides, stilt walkers, street performers, and sooo much more! 🎪🤹♀️ It’s the ultimate day out for the whole family! 👨👩👧👦
Saturday 5th October
11:45 Jodie Fitzgibbon
13:00 Tall Shaves
14:30 Stephen Wilson
15.30 Stephen Wilson
16.30 Jessie Dale
Sunday 6th October
11:45 Lewis Curry
12:30 Rock Choir
13:00 The Delta Reivers
14:00 Rock Choir
14:30 Sam Rea
15.30 Sam Rea
16.30 Jamie Lee Harrison
Do I Need Tickets?
No! All you need is yourself, come along anytime between 11am and 6pm and have a blast!
Travel and Parking from the North and South
Durham Cricket, Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR
Travelling to Durham Cricket, Seat Unique Riverside
By Road:
Durham Cricket, Seat Unique Riverside is located just 1.5 miles from junction 63 on the A1(M).
From the North:
Take the fourth exit on the roundabout at junction 63 and head along the A167 towards Chester-le-Street. At the first roundabout take the first exit to continue to the A167 towards Durham. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the B1284 towards Houghton-le-Spring and the Lumley Castle Hotel. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Seat Unique Riverside.
From the South:
Take the first exit on the roundabout at junction 63 and head along the A167 towards Chester-le-Street. At the first roundabout take the first exit to continue the A167 towards Durham. At the next roundabout take the first exit onto the B1284 towards Houghton-le-Spring and the Lumley Castle Hotel. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Seat Unique Riverside.
By Taxi:
Blue Line Taxis are in operation around Durham Cricket and are our chosen provider for travel, these can be pre-booked by ringing 0191 388 7766.
By Bus:
There is an extensive local bus network operating to and from Chester-le-Street. Routes north / south from Newcastle to several destinations (e.g., Durham, Bishop Auckland), and east / west (e.g., Sunderland, Consett).
From Newcastle:
The 21 bus leaves from Newcastle Eldon Square and takes approximately an hour to reach Chester-le-Street. Every 21 bus stops at Chester-le-Street Coral’s and half stop Chester-le-Street Black Horse so consult the Go North East journey planner before making your journey. The route goes from Newcastle through Gateshead and Birtley before arriving at Chester-le-Street.
From Durham:
The 21 bus leaves from Durham Bus Station and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach Chester-le-Street. Every 21 bus stops at Chester-le-Street Red Lion and half stop Chester-le-Street Black Horse so consult the Go North East journey planner before making your journey.
From Sunderland:
The 78 bus leaves from Sunderland Interchange and takes approximately 50 minutes to reach Chester-le- Street. Every 78 bus stops at Chester-le-Street South Burns. The route goes from Sunderland through Hastings Hill, Bournmoor and Great Lumley before arriving at Chester-le-Street.
The 71 bus leaves from Houghton le Spring direct to Chester le Street Red Lions and takes approximately 25 minutes. Every 71 bus stops at: Great Lumley, Warrior’s Arms, Fence Houses Rail Crossing, Burnside Estate, Abbey Drive and Houghton-le-Spring Church.
If travelling from Sunderland, you can get the 20 Prince Bishops Bus from Sunderland Interchange to Houghton le Spring and then access the 71 to Chester le Street.
Car Parking
Car parking at the venue is available in the pay and display council owned car parks. For this event, no car parking will be offered inside the ground. Guests can either pay with cash or by using the Pay by Phone App. For a full list of car parking charges please find them detailed here: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3485/Chester-le-Street-car-parks
Venue
Will there be seats?
Oh yes! 🪑 We’ve got 300 seats available – first-come, first-served, so grab a spot when you can! And if you’re waiting, why not have a little dance? 💃 And don’t forget about our stands – with over 14,000 seats and stunning views of Lumley Castle and the County Durham Riverside, it’s the perfect backdrop for snapping a photo! 📸✨
New for 2024 – we’ve got the Chester-le-CAFE inside our Eats Indoor Emporium! ☕ It’s the perfect spot to take a break, grab a coffee, and relax while soaking up all the delicious indoor treats! 😋
Is the festival outdoors?
It’s a bit of both! 🌞🌧️ We’ve got amazing hot food traders outside and fantastic specialist food and crafts inside. Just make sure to dress for the weather – rain or shine, we’re ready! ☔🌤️
If it rains, will the festival still go ahead?
You bet! 💪 The festival is ON rain or shine, so come prepared! The only time we’ll cancel is if it’s dangerous. Don’t worry though – we’ve got undercover seating if needed! 🏖️☔
What are the toilet facilities?
No worries here – you’ll have easy access to toilets all around! 🚻 We’ve got accessible toilets and baby changing facilities too! 👶
Is there a cash machine?
There’s no on-site ATM, so bring the cash you’ll need. 💸 Don’t fret though – all food vendors accept card payments! 💳
Onsite bar facilities?
If you’re grabbing a drink from Durham Cricket’s bar, be sure to bring your card – they’re card payments only! 🍻🥤
Is it dog friendly?
Absolutely! 🐾 The grounds are dog friendly, so bring your furry friends! Dogs are also allowed inside, but please clean up after them. 🐕 Plus, we’ve got dog-friendly stands with treats for your four-legged fam! 🦴
Security
Bag Policy
Bags are totally fine – bring yours along! 🎒
Food & Drink
Heads up! No outside food or drink allowed at the festival 🍔🚫 – only what you purchase on-site can be enjoyed in the venue. Oh, and no liquids over 600ml either. BUT, you can bring:
- 1 sealed bottle of water (max 500ml per person) 💧
- 1 empty reusable bottle to refill at our free water stations 🚰
Can I bring an umbrella?
Absolutely! 🌂
Can I bring a camera?
YES! 📸 Don’t forget to snap your selfies and tag us with #CLEATS! 🎉 Plus, be on the lookout for Chester and River 🦁 – our Durham Cricket mascots – for some super fun photo ops! 😄