Solstice Festival

Free Music Festival Celebrates Rufus Court Anniversary in Chester.

Rufus Court in Chester will celebrate its 35th anniversary with the Solstice Festival, a free family-friendly day of live music, art and entertainment on Sunday 21 June 2026. Organised in partnership with Alexander’s Live!, the festival will run from 12:30pm to 10pm and aims to celebrate the history and independent spirit of one of Chester’s best-known cultural spaces.

The event will feature a varied line-up of performers, headlined by internationally acclaimed saxophonist Gilad Atzmon and his jazz trio Organology, featuring Ross Stanley and Joel Barford. The group recently played two sold-out performances at Ronnie Scott’s and are known for blending traditional jazz with a modern, innovative sound. Atzmon, who was the last saxophonist to record with Pink Floyd, has a long-standing connection with Alexander’s and will return specially for the celebrations.

Other acts on the line-up include Glasgow blues and soul band The Stumble, Brazilian-inspired group Bossa Dos Patos, blues and R&B act Dr T-Bone, folk singer-songwriter Ashley Fayth and community performers Northwich Uke Club. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive art installation by local artist Russell Kirk, alongside family activities including face painting and garden games.

The festival marks 35 years to the day since Rufus Court first opened in on the Summer Solstice in 1991, following the restoration work of Rod Cox and Pauline Thompson, who transformed a neglected area behind Northgate Street into a vibrant centre for independent businesses, restaurants and live entertainment. The event also celebrates 35 years of Alexander’s Live!, which has hosted legendary performers including Ronnie Scott, George Melly and The Animals.