Friday 5 December (afternoon) Cream Tea
Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat with fellow students.
Location: The Secret Garden Restaurant (Oddfellows Restaurant), 20 Lower Bridge St, Chester CH1 1RS
Time: 14:30
£6
Meet friends, have fun as you keep speaking English
The social programme is a weekly offering of popular activities designed to introduce you to Chester, to suggest fun activities and events for you to attend, and at the same time, make new friends easily, and complement your English language lessons.
Our social programme is a very important and much appreciated part of school life. Language and culture are closely linked so our programme of activities and excursions is designed to activate your English while you learn about British life and culture. You can visit many interesting places, share new experiences with students from all over the world, get to know your teachers outside of the classroom and have lots of fun.
Our Social Activities Organiser, a full-time member of staff, organises the social programme. When you arrive at the school in Chester on your first day, we’ll introduce you to our Social Activities Organiser, explain how activities work and what you have to do to sign up (reserve a place) on the activities, trips and excursions that you’re interested in.
The weekly social programme includes a range of activities, half-day excursions and full-day excursions at weekends. We also offer weekend excursions through a local company BusyBus.
- activities include a walking tour of Chester on your first day, conversation club, book club, cream tea. Activities typically cost between £6 and £15.
- half-day excursions include Anfield, Liverpool. They typically cost £15 to £30.
- full-day excursions include the Lake District, North Wales, Manchester. Excursions cost £25 to £60.
Once you’re in school, we can also help you to plan other things you might like to do independently.
Social programme
Saturday 6 December (evening) The Christmas Orchestra
Experience a magical festive evening at Chester Cathedral with a 16-piece chamber orchestra performing Christmas classics and beloved film music, from Home Alone to The Polar Express, complete with lighting, sing-alongs, and a truly enchanting seasonal atmosphere.
Location: Chester Cathedral
Time: 18.00 - 19.15
Suggested Activity
£32 +
Sunday 7 December (full day trip) North Wales Trip
Explore the rugged mountains, historic castle, and picturesque villages of North Wales on a guided journey through its stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30
£60
Monday 8 December (evening) Yuletide Carols
Yuletide Carols is a festive Christmas concert held at Chester Cathedral. Beautifully sung by degree-students from a local School, the programme blends traditional and contemporary Christmas music, a gentle, uplifting mix of seasonal favourites in the majestic, historic cathedral setting. Link for tickets here https://tickets.thehammond.co.uk/tickets/yuletide-carols-hammond-degree-carol-concert-332927?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Location: Chester Cathedral
Time: 19.30 Start
Suggested Activity
£12 +
Tuesday 9 December (evening) Open Mic Night
Come along to Alexander's Live, listen to local musicians and experience Chester's longest running Open Mic Night.
Location: Alexander's Live CH1 2JW
Time: 19:30
Suggested Activity
Free entry
Wednesday 10 December (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
Free
Thursday 11 December (evening) Winter Watch Parade
Dating from the 1400's, The Winter Watch Parade takes place around Chester City Centre and includes dance, fire breathing and sword fights! The parade takes place in Eastgate Street and in the Town Hall Square.
Location: Town Hall Square
Time: 19:00
Suggested Activity
Free
Friday 12 December (evening) Traditional Christmas Concert at Chester Town Hall
A festive evening of music held in the historic Chester Town Hall featuring performances by Rhos Male Voice Choir, Chester Brass Band and vocal soloists from The Hammond School. The concert presents a mix of traditional Christmas carols and well‑known holiday classics, promising a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Book tickets online
Location: Chester Town Hall
Time: 19.30
Suggested Activity
£23
Saturday 13 December (afternoon) Liverpool One Gravity Max
Gravity MAX is a huge entertainment venue in Liverpool ONE featuring e-karting, VR experiences, AR games, mini-golf, and a rooftop terrace with bars and live entertainment, perfect for fun with friends.
Location: Liverpool One L1 3DF
Time: 11.00-23.00
Suggested Activity
Price varies
Sunday 14 December (full day trip) Manchester: Museum of Illusions
The Manchester Museum of Illusions offers a fun and interactive experience where visitors can explore mind-bending optical illusions, tricky mirrors, and immersive rooms that challenge perception. Perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking for a playful, curious outing.
Location: 58–66 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1PW
Time 10.00-19.30
Suggested Activity
£20
Monday 15 December (evening) The Lost Elf
A festive, playful Christmas-themed show — a cheerful retelling of the “elf-discovery” story with a northwest-style twist. In it, an elf named Buddy (who was raised at the North Pole) discovers he isn’t actually an elf — and sets off on a journey to Chester to find out what it really means to be human.
location: Storyhouse Theatre
Time: 19.30
£10
Tuesday 16 December (evening) Open Mic Night
Come along to Alexander's Live, listen to local musicians and experience Chester's longest running Open Mic Night.
Location: Alexander's Live CH1 2JW
Time: 19:30
Suggested Activity
Free Entry
Wednesday 17 December (afternoon) Conversation Club
A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Reception
Time: 16:00
Free
Thursday 18 December (evening) Beauty and the Beast
A family-friendly, feel-good version of the classic fairytale — full of fun, laughter, and charm. The show brings to life beloved characters in a vibrant, theatrical setting, complete with dancing candelabras and clocks, audience interaction, and a modern soundtrack featuring pop favourites and energetic numbers.
location: Storyhouse Theatre
Time: 19.00
£17 +
Friday 19 December (afternoon) Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo
Get ready to experience the magic of Lanterns and Light once again at Chester Zoo! This winter, join the illuminated trail of spectacular scenes and breathtaking displays that will leave you full of festivity.
Location: Chester Zoo
Time: 16:30-19:30
Suggested Activity
£19 +