Rum & Reggae Chester
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please take a moment to read through our FAQs to familiarize yourself with the event rules and important details. This will help ensure you're fully prepared and informed for a smooth experience
Before You Arrive
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Download or screenshot your ticket and QR code before travelling, in case mobile signal is slow.
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Charge your phone and consider bringing a portable power bank.
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Bring valid photo ID if you may wish to buy alcohol.
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Bring some cash as a backup in case card machines or mobile signal have technical issues.
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Pack lightly and bring a small bag only where possible.
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Agree a meeting point with your group or children in case you get separated.
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Allow time for ticket checks, security searches and queues during busy arrival periods.
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Check our official website and social channels before travelling for any final event updates.
When and where is Rum & Reggae Chester?
Rum & Reggae Chester takes place on Saturday 29 August 2026 at:
Chester Racecourse
Chester
CH1 2LY
The festival runs from 11:00am until 9:00pm.
What are the stage times?
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — DJ Deccy J
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM — Xodus
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM — Da Fuchaman
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM — Apache Indian
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM — General Levy
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM — Aswad
What are the stage times?
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM — DJ Deccy J
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM — Xodus
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM — Da Fuchaman
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM — Apache Indian
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM — General Levy
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM — Aswad
Is the festival family-friendly?
Yes. Children and young people are very welcome.
Everyone under 18 must attend with a responsible adult and remain supervised throughout the festival.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and ready for an outdoor festival.
Please check the weather before travelling and bring suitable footwear, waterproof clothing, layers, sunscreen or a hat where appropriate.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through our official website:
https://www.rumandreggaeuk.com/
Please be careful when buying tickets from individuals or unofficial social-media accounts, as we cannot guarantee that they are genuine or valid.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
A limited number of tickets may be available on the day, depending on remaining capacity.
We strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your place and avoid missing out.
Can I show my ticket on my phone?
Yes. Please have your ticket and QR code ready before reaching the entrance, and make sure your phone has enough charge.
We recommend downloading your ticket or taking a screenshot before you travel, as mobile signal can sometimes be slower at busy events.
Each ticket can only be scanned once.
What should I do if I cannot find my ticket?
Please contact us with the name and email address used for the booking, along with your order number where available, and we will do our best to help.
Can I leave and come back later?
We ask guests to remain inside the festival where possible, as limiting re-entry helps us manage site safety and security.
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​If you do need to leave for a genuine reason, please speak to security or a member of the event team before you exit. They will explain the re-entry process and help make sure you can get back in.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Outside food cannot be brought into the festival.
You may bring sealed soft drinks or sealed water in plastic bottles up to 500ml per person. Please do not bring glass bottles, alcohol, open drinks, flasks or large bottles.
A wide selection of food and drinks will be available from our bars and traders, including Caribbean dishes, festival favourites, sweet treats, and vegetarian and vegan options.
Can I bring water?
Yes. You may bring sealed water in a plastic bottle up to 500ml, or an empty reusable water bottle.
Free drinking water will be available on site throughout the festival.
Will non-alcoholic drinks be available?
Yes. Soft drinks, water, non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic rum options will be available.
Will alcohol be available?
Yes. Our bars will serve rum, rum punch, Caribbean drinks, beer and other festival favourites.
Alcohol service is subject to licensing, availability and responsible service. Bars may close before the event finishes.
Please drink responsibly. Anyone who appears excessively intoxicated may be refused further service or asked to leave the event.
Should I bring cash?
We recommend bringing some cash in case of any technical issues with card machines or mobile signal on the day.
Bars and traders may offer card payments where available, but cash is strongly encouraged so you can still buy food and drinks if technology lets us down.
What if I need to bring food or drink for a medical reason?
Please contact us before the festival if you need to bring particular food or drink because of a medical condition, accessibility requirement, strict dietary need or childcare reason.
We will be happy to discuss your individual circumstances.
Do I need identification?
A Challenge 25 policy will be in place at all festival bars.
Please bring valid photo identification if you would like to purchase alcohol and appear under the age of 25.
Can I bring baby food or formula?
Yes. Baby food, formula and essential childcare items may be brought where needed.
Please avoid glass containers and be ready for items to be checked by security on entry.
Can I bring a chair or picnic blanket?
Yes. Folding camping chairs and picnic blankets are welcome.
Chairs must be kept towards the back of the main arena, leaving space near the stage for guests who would like to stand and dance.
Please follow any instructions from our stewards regarding chair and blanket locations.
Can I bring a bag?
Small bags are welcome. To help reduce queues, please pack lightly and avoid bringing a bag unless you need one.
As a guide, bags should be no larger than A4 size where possible.
Security checks and bag searches will take place at the entrance, so please have your bag ready for inspection.
Anyone refusing a security search may be refused entry.
Can I bring an umbrella or parasol?
Small handheld umbrellas are welcome.
Large parasols are not currently permitted because they may obstruct views or create a safety risk in windy conditions.
Can I bring medication?
Yes. Personal medication is permitted and should remain in its original packaging wherever possible.
If you need to bring controlled medication, needles, larger liquids, medical equipment or food/drink for medical reasons, please bring supporting evidence such as a prescription, doctor's note or clinic letter.
Please contact us before attending if your medication requires refrigeration, needles, controlled storage or other special arrangements.
Can I bring a camera?
Phones and ordinary personal photography are welcome.
Professional photography, audio or video-recording equipment requires prior permission.
Can I bring suncream?
Yes. Suncream is welcome and recommended for warm weather.
Non-aerosol suncream is preferred. Please do not bring large aerosols or spray cans.
Can I smoke or vape?
Smoking and vaping are only permitted within the designated smoking area. Please follow the event signage and be considerate of others.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets cannot enter the ticketed festival area.
Assistance dogs are welcome. Please contact us before the festival so we can discuss any support or arrangements required.
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Can I bring a pram or buggy?
Yes. Prams and buggies are welcome, but please be mindful that the event takes place outdoors on grass and some areas may be uneven.
Please avoid blocking walkways, emergency routes or busy areas near the stage.
What items are prohibited?
Please do not bring:
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Outside food
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Alcohol purchased outside the festival
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Open drinks, flasks or bottles larger than 500ml
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Glass bottles, jars or containers
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Illegal drugs or substances
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Weapons or sharp objects
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Fireworks, flares or smoke devices
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BBQs, camping stoves or open flames
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Gazebos, tents or large parasols
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Drones
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Laser pointers
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Air horns or megaphones
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Professional recording equipment without permission
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Anything considered dangerous or disruptive by security
Security reserves the right to refuse unsuitable or unsafe items.
Is the festival accessible?
We want Rum & Reggae Chester to be as welcoming and accessible as possible.
The event takes place outdoors at Chester Racecourse. Some areas may be on grass, uneven, soft or more difficult to navigate, particularly following wet weather.
Please contact us before attending if you would like to discuss your individual access requirements.
Can I bring a wheelchair, mobility scooter or rollator?
Yes. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, rollators and other mobility aids are welcome.
Please remember that ground conditions will depend on the weather.
Are toilets available?
Yes. Toilets will be available within the festival site and clearly signposted.
Are accessible toilets available?
Yes. There will be accessible toilets within the festival site, along with clearly signposted general toilet facilities.
What if I cannot stand in a queue for long?
Please contact us before the festival and explain what support you require.
We will do our best to minimise the time you need to spend standing and advise you on the most appropriate arrival arrangements.
Are complimentary Carer or Personal Assistant tickets available?
Guests who require essential support to attend may apply for one complimentary Carer or Personal Assistant ticket.
Please purchase the ticket for the person requiring support first, then contact us with the booking number and suitable supporting evidence.
The Personal Assistant must be aged 18 or over and able to provide the required support throughout the festival, including during an emergency.
Please note, all accessible ticket requests need to be made by August 23rd. After this date we will not be able to process anymore.
How do I get to Chester Racecourse?
Chester Racecourse is located close to Chester city centre and can be reached by train, bus, Park & Ride, taxi, car or on foot.
Please allow plenty of time for your journey as the city centre and roads around the racecourse may be busier than usual.
How far is the festival from Chester railway station?
Chester Racecourse is approximately a 20-minute walk from Chester railway station, or a short taxi journey depending on traffic.
Is parking available at Chester Racecourse?
Yes. Event parking is available on the racecourse for £6 for the day.
Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please arrive early if you plan to park on site.
Please follow event signage and steward instructions when you arrive.
What other parking options are nearby?
Nearby public parking options include:
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Little Roodee Car Park
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New Market Parking
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Delamere Street Car Park
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Watergate Street Car Park
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Garden Lane Car Park
Parking charges, opening hours, height restrictions and availability are controlled by the individual car-park operators. Please check signage and payment instructions when you arrive.
Is camping available?
No. There is no festival camping at Chester Racecourse.
Hotels, guest houses and other accommodation are available around Chester, but we recommend booking early.
What should I keep in mind when leaving?
Please plan your journey home in advance, as Chester city centre may be busy when the festival finishes.
When leaving Chester Racecourse, please be considerate of local residents and leave the area quietly and responsibly.
Which entry points should guests use?
Please enter Chester Racecourse via the main entrance on New Crane Street, CH1 2LY.
From here, follow the event stewards and Rum & Reggae signage, which will guide you under the racecourse and through into the centre of the course.
Continue across the open field to the festival site, located at the far side of the course, behind Gate 11
Will the festival go ahead if it rains?
Yes. Rum & Reggae Chester is an outdoor festival and will continue during normal British weather, including rain, drizzle, cloud, ordinary wind or warm conditions.
The event would only be stopped, postponed or cancelled if conditions created a genuine safety risk.
Will there be security checks?
Yes. Security staff will be present and bag searches will take place at the entrance.
Entry may be refused to anyone who is excessively intoxicated, under the influence of illegal substances, behaving aggressively, refusing a search or failing to follow reasonable instructions.
If you need to leave and return, please speak to security before exiting so they can advise you on the correct re-entry process.
Will first aid be available?
Yes. St John Ambulance will provide medical support throughout the festival.
A clearly signposted first-aid and welfare point will be available within the event area.
Is there somewhere quiet I can go if I feel overwhelmed?
Yes. A dedicated welfare point will be available for anyone who feels distressed, overwhelmed, vulnerable or simply needs support.
Please speak to any steward, security officer or member of the event team.
How can I help keep the site tidy?
Please use the bins and recycling points provided and help us keep Chester Racecourse clean and welcoming. Please where possible separate your rubbish into the relevant type of bin.
Please take any personal belongings home with you when you leave.
What should I do if my child becomes separated from me?
Speak to a steward, security officer or member of the event team immediately.
Our welfare and safeguarding team will begin helping straight away. We also recommend agreeing on a meeting point with children when you arrive.
Should children have contact details with them?
We recommend writing a parent or guardian mobile number on a child wristband, label or card when you arrive.
This can help the welfare team reunite you quickly if anyone becomes separated.
What should I do if I lose something?
Please speak to a steward, security officer or member of the event team during the festival.
Lost property enquiries after the event should be made through our official contact details on https://www.rumandreggaeuk.com/.
Will there be official photography or filming?
Photography and filming may take place at the event for safety, security, promotional and social-media purposes.
If you have a specific concern on the day, please speak to a member of the event team.
What should I do if my child becomes separated from me?
Speak to a steward, security officer or member of the event team immediately.
Our welfare and safeguarding team will begin helping straight away. We also recommend agreeing on a meeting point with children when you arrive.
What should I do if my child becomes separated from me?
Speak to a steward, security officer or member of the event team immediately.
Our welfare and safeguarding team will begin helping straight away. We also recommend agreeing on a meeting point with children when you arrive.
What should I do if my child becomes separated from me?
Speak to a steward, security officer or member of the event team immediately.
Our welfare and safeguarding team will begin helping straight away. We also recommend agreeing on a meeting point with children when you arrive.
What should I do if my child becomes separated from me?
Speak to a steward, security officer or member of the event team immediately.
Our welfare and safeguarding team will begin helping straight away. We also recommend agreeing on a meeting point with children when you arrive.
