Chester’s historic rows in spotlight during month long ‘Rowvember’ festival

This November, Chester is hosting ‘Rowvember,’ a month-long festival celebrating the city’s iconic Rows—unique, elevated medieval walkways that are a hallmark of Chester’s architectural landscape.

Organised by Chester Heritage Festival in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Rowvember presents an array of free events highlighting the Rows’ rich history and the community that sustains them.

Chester’s Rows, a series of two-tiered galleries of shops dating back to the 13th century, represent the oldest shopping arcade of their kind in the world.

They remain an integral part of the city’s identity, offering both a historical attraction and a thriving business hub for residents and visitors alike.

Archaeologist James Dixon, leading the festival’s programming, emphasises that Rowvember will allow people to experience these historic structures in a range of fresh and engaging ways.

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Future and responsible for Libraries, Arts, and Culture, praised the initiative.

“The Rows are not just a shopping destination—they’re a living piece of medieval history that continues to thrive in our modern city. Rowvember is our opportunity to showcase these remarkable structures and the wonderful businesses that call them home,” she said.

Highlights from Rowvember’s schedule include guided tours led by experts, allowing visitors to dive deep into the Rows’ architectural and cultural significance.

Self-guided walking routes will also be available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

A family-friendly treasure hunt invites young visitors to discover Chester’s heritage in a fun, interactive way.

Adding a special local touch, Tim Foxon’s popular Little Red Bike installation will return, moving to different locations throughout the month for visitors to spot.

Other scheduled events include pop-up choirs, film screenings, dance performances, and the “Business Spotlight” feature, which celebrates the many independent shops, restaurants, and businesses that make the Rows a vibrant commercial centre.

The festival also includes a Building Spotlights segment, allowing guests to learn the stories behind the doors of these medieval marvels and encouraging exploration of the Rows as both a historical site and a living part of Chester’s cityscape.

Organisers hope that Rowvember will not only bring locals closer to Chester’s unique history but also attract visitors who may not yet be familiar with the city’s architectural treasures.

With support from Chester Heritage Festival and Cheshire West and Chester Council, Rowvember promises to bring the Rows’ heritage to life for a modern audience.

For those interested in learning more about Rowvember and viewing the full schedule of events, visit the Chester Heritage Festival website at chesterheritagefestival.co.uk.