Alumni Reunion

graduating students sitting in rows in Chester Cathedral at a graduation ceremony . View of the backs of their caps and gowns

Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026

Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026

Exton Park, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ

We are delighted to invite all former students to return to Chester for our Alumni Reunion Weekend 2026.

Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends, revisiting familiar places or simply curious to see how the University has changed, we would love to welcome you back to campus.

The weekend is designed to be informal and flexible. You can attend for the full event or join us for part of the programme.

Please take a moment to explore the information below to see what’s on offer for the 2026 Reunion Weekend.

Friday will be the main day of activity, with a structured programme led by the Alumni Team. The rest of the weekend is more relaxed, giving you the opportunity to spend time on campus and in Chester at your own pace.

Click here to book your place!

Programme overview

Optional overnight accommodation is available in Grosvenor.

Please note that there are no catering options available on Thursday.

We’re delighted to welcome you back to campus. Here’s what to expect on Friday:

  • Breakfast (for overnight guests): 8:00am – 10:00am, Dining Rooms (included in the accommodation price)
  • Registration: 10:00am – 11:30am, Senate House 
    • Please arrive at Senate House during this time to register your attendance, collect your name badge, and reconnect with fellow Alumni.
  • Exhibition of Alumni Archive items: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Senate House 
    • Browse our specially curated Alumni Archive collection, highlighting key moments from the history of the College and University.
  • Welcome from the Alumni Team: 11:45am, Senate House  
    • Meet the Alumni Team and hear from our Director, Louise Wood.
  • Chapel Service: 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Chapel
    • For those who wish to attend, a service will be held at midday and led by one of our University chaplains.
  • Afternoon Tea: From 1:00pm, Dining Rooms (additional cost)
    • Enjoy a selection of hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and scones while catching up with old friends and meeting fellow Alumni.
  • Vice-Chancellor's presentation: 2:30pm, Dining Rooms 
    • Hear from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons, as she reflects on the University’s history and future.
  • Campus tour (including newly refurbished areas): 3:00pm, departing from Dining Rooms
    • Join a guided tour of the Exton Park campus, led by the Alumni Team, showcasing both familiar spaces and recent developments, including the School of Education (Molloy) and Binks.
  • Free time: from 4:00pm
    • Enjoy some time at leisure before the evening buffet. Tea and coffee-making facilities will be available in the Grosvenor Common Room.

  • Friday Evening Buffet: From 6:00pm, Dining Rooms (additional cost)
  • Bar (CSU) Open: 5:00pm – Midnight, Students’ Union Bar (CSU)

Overnight accommodation available.

There is no formal programme on Saturday, giving you the flexibility to spend the day as you wish. Please note that the Alumni Team will not be on site.

  • Breakfast (for overnight guests): 8:00am – 10:00am, Dining Rooms (included in the accommodation price)
  • Check-out (for departing overnight guests): 10:30am, Security Porters’ Cabin

Take the opportunity to explore Chester or revisit the campus at your leisure (please note that some buildings may be locked over the weekend).

  • Formal Three-course Evening Meal: Arrival by 6:45pm for a 7pm sit down, Dining Rooms (additional cost)
  • Bar (CSU) Open: 5:00pm – Midnight, Students’ Union Bar

Overnight accommodation available.

  • Breakfast (for overnight guests): 8:00am – 10:00am, Dining Rooms (included in the accommodation price)
  • Check-out (for departing overnight guests): 10:30am, Security Porters’ Cabin

Booking and Costs

The information below outlines what is included and what can be booked as part of the Reunion Weekend.

Most of the weekend programme, including talks, tours and access to campus, is free to attend.

Catering and accommodation are optional and can be selected individually during the booking process, allowing you to tailor your visit to suit your plans for the weekend.

You may choose as many or as few chargeable options as you wish, depending on your plans for the weekend.

General Admission

General admission for the main Friday programme is free.

You may book for up to two attendees per booking form.

During the booking process, you will also be asked whether you wish to attend the Friday Chapel Service (12:00pm–1:00pm).

  • There is no charge for the service; however, it must be selected in advance due to limited capacity in the Chapel.

Catering Options

Catering options can be selected individually for yourself and your guest (if applicable). The options available for the 2026 Reunion Weekend include:

  • Friday afternoon tea (£24 per person)
  • Friday evening buffet (£15 per person)
  • Saturday formal evening three-course meal (£36 per person)

Each option can be selected for up to two attendees during booking. You may choose as many or as few of these options as you wish.

During booking, you will be able to provide any dietary and accessibility requirements so that arrangements can be made in advance.

Please note that each catering option is subject to a minimum number of bookings. If this is not met, some options may be withdrawn and a full refund will be issued.

Accommodation Options

Overnight bed and breakfast accommodation is available and can be booked per night, depending on your plans for the weekend.

Accommodation for the Reunion will initially be available in:

  • Grosvenor (single and double rooms)

If we reach capacity in Grosvenor, additional rooms may be made available in:

  • Astbury & Fisher (single rooms only)

Costs:

Thursday night (£81 for a Single Room, £108 for a Double Room) 

Friday night (£81 for a Single Room, £108 for a Double Room) 

Saturday night (£81 for a Single Room, £108 for a Double Room) 

Double rooms are priced per room (not per person).

Rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability is limited. A small number of accessible rooms are available (please indicate this during booking if required).

Please note that this is student accommodation and does not operate in the same way as a hotel. You are advised to bring your own toiletries and any additional items you may need. Bed linen and towels will be provided for those who have booked accommodation. Tea and coffee-making facilities will also be available in the Grosvenor Common Room.

Accommodation bookings will also include a full English breakfast served in The Dining Rooms (formerly White’s Dining Rooms).

Please note that there is no lift access to any rooms. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact us at alumni@chester.ac.uk and we will be happy to discuss your needs.

Full guidance around check-in, breakfast and check-out times will be reshared once bookings have closed and rooms have been allocated closer to the weekend. 

How Do I Book?

Bookings for the Alumni Reunion weekend are made through the University’s online Storefront.

Before booking, please note:

  • Accommodation and catering must be selected individually (no packages are available)
  • All catering must be pre-booked; there is no option to pay on the day
  • Double rooms are priced per room (not per person)
  • Please include details for all guests attending

Booking deadline: 11th August 2026

Places are limited and accommodation will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred option. 

Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis until 5:00pm on 1st September.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our 2026 Alumni Reunion weekend is open to:

  • All University of Chester Alumni
  • Guests attending with Alumni

We warmly welcome attendees from all years and courses.

No, you do not need to attend the full weekend.

You are welcome to join for parts of the programme. Friday is the main day of activity, but you can attend the weekend in a way that suits your plans.

You can book each element of the weekend individually, including:

  • Friday admission (free)
  • Catering options (Friday afternoon tea, Friday evening buffet, Saturday evening meal)
  • Accommodation by night

Accommodation for the Reunion will initially be available in:

  • Grosvenor (single and double rooms)

If demand exceeds availability in Grosvenor, additional accommodation may be released in:

  • Astbury & Fisher (single rooms only)

Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis and availability is limited. A small number of accessible rooms are available and this can be indicated on the booking form. 

This depends on what you select.

  • The Friday daytime programme is free for all attendees
  • Catering is only included if you book and pay for it in advance. 
    • Friday afternoon tea
    • Friday evening buffet
    • Saturday evening meal
  • On-campus accommodation with breakfast if booked and paid for in advance. 

Most of the programme on the Friday, including talks, tours and access to campus, is free to attend.

Accommodation and catering are chargeable add-ons and must be booked beforehand. 

Bookings for the Alumni Reunion Weekend can be made via the University’s online Storefront.

You will be asked to:

  • Select your admission, catering and accommodation options
  • Provide your details and any guest details
  • Share any dietary and/or accessibility requirements

Booking deadline: 11th August 2026

Places are limited and accommodation will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred option.

Yes, guests are welcome to attend with Alumni.

Please include their details when completing your booking.

Yes, parking is available on site.

You will be asked to provide your vehicle registration number during booking.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the Alumni Reunion Weekend, please contact the Alumni Team:

Email: alumni@chester.ac.uk 

We look forward to welcoming you back to Chester.