-
play_arrow
MIX 56 CHESHIRE'S BEST MUSIC MIX
Highlights from Cheshire Day: Live from Barlounge Chester
Cheshire Day Live from Barlounge Chester – A Celebration of Community and County Pride
What better way to mark Cheshire Day than with a live broadcast from the beating heart of Chester?
On Monday 30th March, Smithy and Ian took MIX56 on the road, settling into the stylish surroundings of Barlounge on Watergate Street — a venue that’s long been part of the city’s vibrant social scene.
With its warm atmosphere, great coffee, and famously friendly team, it proved the perfect backdrop for a celebration of all things Cheshire!
The day began in true Chester style — with General Manager Jack Brightwell making everyone feel right at home.
Jack kept spirits high (and stomachs full!) with top-tier coffee and unbeatable bacon butties, setting the tone for a morning packed with feel-good conversation and community pride.
Barlounge Chester
-
play_arrow
JACK BARLOUNGE Jack Brightwell
Next up, the team welcomed two of Cheshire’s Members of Parliament — Sarah Dixon (Chester North and Neston) and Esther McVey (Tatton) — who shared their heartfelt reflections on what makes our county such a special place to live, work, and explore.
Steering clear of politics, both guests painted a personal picture of Cheshire’s unique character, scenic beauty, and welcoming people.
A real highlight came when Smithy and Ian finally met the man behind the mystery — Rich, the creator of the hugely popular social media blog Sht Chester*.
Far from what the name might imply, the account offers a witty yet affectionate celebration of life in the city, with over 27,000 followers tuning in for its local humour and insightful community updates. Rich’s passion for Chester shone through as he shared how the platform has grown into one of the city’s most positive online voices.
The Chester Blog
-
play_arrow
RICH S CHESTER Rich
With that, the first hour flew by — full of laughter, stories, and appreciation for this remarkable part of the world we call home.
After 11, the conversation turned to tourism and growth with Christian Marcucci, Managing Director of Marketing Cheshire.
Christian spoke passionately about promoting Cheshire on a national and international stage, highlighting the region’s ongoing success in attracting visitors and investment — and the bright opportunities ahead for local businesses.
Marketing Cheshire
-
play_arrow
CHRISTIAN MARKETING CHESHIRE Christian Marcucci
Continuing that theme, Luka Morrell from Chester BID joined Ian to discuss how the team works tirelessly with local traders and venues to maintain Chester’s position as one of the North West’s most dynamic and welcoming destinations.
Luka’s enthusiasm for the city’s thriving retail, business, and leisure scene reminded listeners why Chester continues to stand out as a must-visit place, whatever the season.
Chester BID
-
play_arrow
CHESTER BID Luka Morrell
And speaking of events — there’s plenty more excitement just around the corner! This weekend, Chester Racecourse welcomes back the ever-popular Cheshire and North Wales Food Festival, celebrating 25 years of fantastic local food, drink, and entertainment.
Now under the expert guidance of Steven Hesketh – the Hospitality Hero, this year’s event promises new energy, fresh ideas, and a vibrant line-up of live music, including headliner Gareth Gates and friend of MIX56, Rob Wheeler.
Steven caught up with Smithy to share his passion for championing local talent and creating memorable experiences.
And here’s a fun fact — the festival is the only time all year you can camp on the historic racecourse!
MIX56 will be back on-site this Friday, broadcasting live to capture all the flavours, sounds, and smiles of what promises to be a truly unmissable weekend.
Chester & North Wales Food & Drink Festival
-
play_arrow
STEVEN HESKETH Steven Hesketh
Cheshire Day Live from Chester – Part 2: Festivals, Flavour and a Few Friendly Ghosts
As our broadcast continued, the celebrations — and conversations — just kept coming!
And what better way to showcase the best of Cheshire than by looking ahead to one of the county’s most anticipated summer highlights — DevaFest.
Returning this August to the stunning grounds of Cholmondeley Castle, this family‑friendly music festival truly captures the Cheshire spirit. With two main stages, smaller marquees and a packed weekend of world‑class acts, there’s something for everyone.
This year’s headliners — Jessie J, James Morrison, and Ronan Keating — promise incredible live shows, joined by more than 100 additional artists and entertainers across the weekend.
Festival founder Phil Marston joined us to share what’s in store for 2026, from new themed zones to family adventures and community collaborations.
The excitement is definitely building — but Phil’s message was clear: get your tickets early! Sales are already outpacing every previous year.
DevaFest
-
play_arrow
PHIL DEVAFEST Phil Marston
Of course, celebrating Cheshire wouldn’t be complete without exploring the county’s exceptional food and drink scene!
Smithy had the enviable task of visiting Three Wrens Gin, the award‑winning Cheshire distillery founded by Nick Wadeson in 2019.
From elegant artisan gins to beautifully curated gift packs and immersive distillery tours, Three Wrens has become a shining example of local craftsmanship and innovation.
Three Wrens Gin
-
play_arrow
GIN LINK Nick Wadeson
And what pairs better with gin than another Cheshire classic — cheese! Stefan headed to The Cheese Shop on Northgate Street, where Ann shared her passion for one of Cheshire’s oldest and most famous exports.
With a history dating back to Roman times, Cheshire cheese remains a firm favourite for its distinctive crumbly texture and rich heritage — a true taste of tradition right in the heart of the city.
The Cheese Shop Chester
-
play_arrow
CD Stefan Ann
Naturally, great cheese needs a perfect partner — and Cheshire wine is having a real moment. Smithy and Rob paid a visit to Tom Scargill at Vin Santo, the atmospheric wine shop and bar tucked beneath Watergate Street.
As they sampled some locally produced “Cheshire fizz,” Tom explained how winemaking in the county is flourishing, with vineyards taking advantage of the region’s increasingly favourable climate.
Vino Santo
-
play_arrow
WINE Tom Scargill
Back at Barlounge, the lunchtime menu looked far too tempting to ignore!
With its inviting atmosphere, open kitchen and beautifully presented dishes, it’s clear why this venue remains one of Chester’s favourites.
Part of the same group is Upstairs at the Grill, a sophisticated bar and restaurant inspired by New York’s iconic steakhouses. Smithy caught up with Senior Sous Chef David Scanlan, who revealed that their irresistible French Onion Soup continues to be a top seller — the perfect comfort dish whatever the weather!
Upstairs at the Grill
-
play_arrow
GRILL David Scanlan
Of course, any city boasting over two thousand years of history is bound to have a few spooky stories whispering through its ancient streets.
Chester is often described as one of the most haunted cities in England, with tales that stretch from Roman times to the Victorian era. Ian met with local historian and legendary guide Gerald Tattum from Chester Attractions, who’s been leading the city’s famous Ghost Tours since 1984.
From shadowy Roman soldiers said to march through cellars below Bridge Street, to eerie encounters near The Rows and along the old city walls, Gerald’s tours blend history, humour, and just the right amount of spine‑tingling suspense.
Chester Attractions
-
play_arrow
CD ghosts Gerald Tattum
Before we knew it, our Cheshire Day broadcast was coming to a close — but what a celebration it was!
From laughter‑filled interviews to inspiring community pride, the day truly captured the essence of this incredible county: welcoming, creative and full of life.
A huge thank you to Jack Brightwell and the fantastic team at Barlounge for their warm hospitality, and to every guest who shared their love for our county on Cheshire Day 2026.
