Deva Fest – “a great festival in a beautiful setting!” #Review
Victoria Hayes
16th August 2022
Deva Fest is Cheshire’s great value family friendly three day extravaganza of music, parades, shows and fabulous food and drink from local suppliers which took place this past weekend at the Chester Lakes complex three miles south of Chester City Centre.
Deva Fest has always been a difficult festival to explain in just a few words. I think it’s because the organisers jam pack it with the most incredible amount of fantastic fun into the three days.
The main three words that resonated across the field this weekend were “VALUE FOR MONEY”. At a time when more than ever every penny counts, Deva Fest bucks the trend by offering more. Deva fest isn’t just one thing. It’s not just a music festival which caters to every music taste, or just a family event. It’s not just great food and brilliant comedy. It’s not just good toilets and pirate parades, gin events or a beautiful setting to camp on site. It’s all of these things and more. 
For me, as a parent of both a toddler and teenager I can safely say at no point over the three days did I hear the dreaded moan of boredom. The free fairground rides were a massive highlight as these can be super expensive and it’s awful if you have to say no to the kids. Add this to the amazing Laughter tots tent to keep the little ones engaged, again, no extra cost.
And now here’s the big one…. you can bring your own food and soft drink. Now don’t get me wrong, the food and drink available on site were absolutely top notch, with loads of variety and quality off the charts, from Artezzan’s divine pizzas to Thai street food, pulled pork, burgers, dirty dawgs, ice cream… it goes on BUT if you’re on a budget, or the kids are fussy, you can bring your own, no questions asked. Bar selections were great too, with a good range of soft drinks as well as beer, cider, cocktails, gin, wine… and free water was available on the site.
Now, about that water….it was super necessary this weekend with the soaring temperatures but the shelter of both the big top and tipi offered welcome relief. but there was no problem bringing in tents, gazebos, umbrellas etc to provide our own shade. So we set up camp and thoroughly enjoyed all being able to disappear off to varied activities and re grouped for major acts, or a hydration break! We all agreed though, that the mermaid in the tank had the best job of the weekend…yes really, a mermaid.
There was so much music, it’s hard to bring it all together in one place, from the headliners each night to the we love good times outdoor stage to the gin and prosecco tipi, the energy and talent of all the performers was undeniable. 
Don’t just take my word for it though… here’s some real feedback from social media;
“Been to quite a few festivals in my time… and I have to thank you for organising such a cracking event! First time at deva fest… Camped for the weekend with friends from 10 months old to 56 years old and all had a ball… even the teenagers! (Unheard of for mine! AND… he’s asked if were going next year!!!)
