Chester-le-EATS Celebrates Five Flavour-Packed Years With Launch Of New Masterclasses

Chester-le-EATS is back for its fifth anniversary celebrations, bringing even more for food and drink lovers to enjoy with the launch of brand-new masterclasses.

The much-loved Food, Drink and Music Festival returns to Banks Homes Riverside, the home of Durham Cricket, on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2026, promising another unforgettable weekend of incredible street food, 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 an exciting programme of exclusive, bookable masterclasses hosted in Durham Cricket’s executive boxes.

These intimate tasting 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 great local produce, flavours and craftsmanship.

Durham city’s Crush Wine Bar, owned by Daniel Jonberger - one of the region’s expert wine sommeliers - will present Uncorked – A Wine & Food Tasting Experience. Guests will be guided through four specially selected wines, each paired with carefully curated small plates designed to complement - and even transform - the flavour of every pour.

Wing lovers are in for a treat as Newcastle-based Hen & Hops teams up with Chester-le-EATS for a flavour-packed beer and wing masterclass hosted by business co-owner, Ally Chambers.

The popular, independent restaurant specialises in chicken wings as well as producing their own sauces and marinades. Guests will get to enjoy eight premium chicken wings marinated in Hen & Hops’ signature sauces, with five locally sourced beers and ale tastings. 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 the Ginologists at Tin of Sardines, based in both Durham City and Roker, Sunderland. 

The masterclass will feature four speciality gins, which guests will learn about, and how to expertly pair them with mixers and garnishes. Those who book onto this class will also be treated to Tin’s signature cheese and charcuterie board, shared between two guests. Plus, purchase the speciality gins, tonics, dried garnishes, and glassware. 

The masterclasses will run each day during Chester-le-EATS. Each at 12noon; 1.45pm and 3.30pm and all are 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 still keeping everything people already know and love about the weekend.”

Chester-le-EATS 2026 will remain free to enter, with a packed line-up of street food traders, artisan producers, live music and family-friendly entertainment taking place across the weekend. The festival is also dog-friendly, meaning four-legged foodies are welcome, too. 

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: https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/events/chester-le-eats/