Deva Fest – 7th – 10th August | Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire.
Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, just 13 miles southeast of Chester, Deva Fest 2025 unfolded like a dream across the majestic grounds of Cholmondeley Castle.
Pronounced Chumlee, Cholmondeley Castle is more than just a venue — it’s a character in a story. Originally a gothic villa, it was later transformed with towers and turrets into the grand structure we see today. Surrounded by 70 acres of landscaped gardens, it’s the kind of place that makes you stop and stare.
This was my first taste of Deva Fest, and I’ll say this: if you’ve ever felt festivals weren’t for you — too chaotic, too crowded, too adult — this one might just change your mind. It’s a festival that welcomes you with open arms, whether you’re a seasoned gig-goer or a family looking for a safe, vibrant introduction to the scene. If I had a friend who’d never been to a festival, Deva Fest would be my top recommendation.
Since its inception in 2018, Deva Fest has grown from a local curiosity into a full-blown cultural celebration. In 2022, it drew 13,000 visitors. By 2023, that number had jumped to 15,000. This year? A staggering 25,000 festival-goers descended on Cholmondeley Castle, making it the biggest Deva Fest yet. And it’s easy to see why.
From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is electric but never overwhelming. The journey itself is a joy — winding country roads, rolling green fields, and a sense of anticipation that builds with every mile. The accreditation process was smooth, and the staff and security were genuinely lovely — helpful, cheerful, and clearly proud to be part of the event.
One of Deva Fest’s quirkiest traditions is Fancy Dress Saturday, and it’s not just for kids. Adults go all in, and the creativity on display is wild and wonderful. I hadn’t realised it was Fancy Dress Day until I spotted someone dressed as a bottle of tomato ketchup confidently making their way to the bar. That moment summed up the spirit of Deva Fest — playful, inclusive, and full of surprises.
The festival also features parades, street performers, and interactive art, turning the grounds into a living, breathing carnival. It’s not just about watching — it’s about joining in.
This year saw the launch of ‘Club Deva,’ a VIP area hosted by Rooftop Social, offering covered seating, table service, and a curated bar experience. It was a welcome retreat for those wanting a more relaxed vibe.
But the real culinary star was the partnership with Taste Cheshire, who brought in food and drink exhibitors from across the UK. From gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to vegan delights and artisan desserts, the food scene was a festival in itself. I genuinely didn’t know where to start — and I wasn’t alone. The queues were long, but the payoff was worth every minute. Then there was the fairground — possibly the biggest I’ve seen at any UK festival. The best part? All rides were free, included in the ticket price. That’s unheard of. The sight of kids (and adults!) spinning, laughing, and queuing with excitement added another layer of joy to the weekend which was lovely to see.
Ok – Let’s talk tunes. The main stage was set to host a stellar line-up: The Fratellis, Stereo MC’s, Matt Goss, D:Ream, and the one and only glitterball ‘deva’, Gloria Gaynor. That’s a mix of indie, pop, dance, and disco royalty — something for every generation.
Unfortunately, The Fratellis had to cancel just 24 hours before the gig, (this is the impressive bit) the organisers pulled off a last-minute miracle by bringing in CAST to fill the slot. And what a swap it was. I’ve seen CAST at Stalyfest, they called it their ‘warm-up’ for the upcoming Oasis tour, and they apparently brought that same energy to Deva. For me personally, it felt like an upgrade — each time I’ve seen them, their performance is tight, passionate, and full of nostalgic brilliance, I just wish I was there to have seen it this time.
Due to other commitments, I could only attend on the Friday but the buzz around Thursday night’s Stickmen Project was impossible to ignore. Friends who were there were talking about it — a high-energy, visually stunning set that obviously set the tone for the whole weekend.
Dancefloor Magic with D:Ream and Symphonic Ibiza
Making their long-awaited debut, D:Ream brought a wave of euphoric house piano and disco-infused dance to the stage, instantly connecting with the crowd. Their signature sound—uplifting, melodic, and unmistakably 90s—was a perfect fit for the festivals vibrant atmosphere. Frontman Peter Cunnah, still radiating the same infectious charisma that made the band a household name, led the charge with timeless hits including the iconic chart-topper “Things Can Only Get Better.” The crowd erupted as the familiar chords rang out, a reminder of the song’s enduring optimism and cultural impact.
But D:Ream weren’t just riding the wave of nostalgia. Their 2025 release, “Do It Anyway,” marked a bold new chapter, and the live debut of their latest single “The Geek Who Ruled the World” was met with enthusiastic approval. The track’s clever lyrics and catchy hooks proved that the band still knows how to craft dancefloor anthems with heart and intelligence. Cunnah’s energy was magnetic—his smile, his movement, his connection with the audience—unchanged and utterly captivating. Giving 100% non-stop.
Following D:Ream’s electric set, the evening soared to symphonic heights with the arrival of Symphonic Ibiza—a genre-defying fusion of classical orchestration and iconic Ibiza dance anthems. Since their explosive launch in 2018, they’ve redefined live dance music, and their Deva performance was no exception. In the photo pit, a fellow photographer leaned over and said, “Apparently they’re meant to be good—I’ve never heard them.” But as soon as the first notes hit the air, his expression transformed. He turned to me, eyes wide, and gave a slow, knowing nod and a big fat grin. We were sold.
The orchestra led by the dynamic duo – the spincredible DJ and producer Stevie Joyce and ‘wizard with a stick’ composer, Steve Etherington (Think Harry Potter in a shimmering’ Strictly’ jacket). These two knew exactly what they were doing.
The orchestra, a powerhouse of talented musicians, recreated the magic of Ibiza’s golden era with stunning precision and flair. From trance classics to house bangers, every note was a tribute to the spirit of the White Isle. The performance was more than just music—it was theatre. Aviator shades, cheeky lip pouts, and head-nods to the beat added a playful edge to a show that has more energy than you can shake a composer stick at.
The crowd danced with abandon, swept up in waves of nostalgia and sonic brilliance. It was a masterclass in musical storytelling, blending the elegance of strings with iconic female vocals and the raw energy of club culture.
Pure joy from start to finish.
Friday highlight – Happy Mondays bringing ‘Madchester Mayhem’ to the ‘Cheshire set’.
Few acts bring more raw energy and nostalgic chaos than the Happy Mondays. As one of the headline acts, the Madchester legends didn’t just perform—they invaded the stage with their signature swagger, surreal charm, and THAT sound that still defies categorisation.
With an intro that was like musical foreplay, helping the crowd to get in the ‘Monday’s mood’, the stage was graced with the stunning vocal presence of Firouzeh Razavi, laying solid foundations for the rest of the band. Deafening cheers heard in the pit for the ever-eager Bez, maracas at the ready. From the second he started his iconic maraca-shaking, hip-swinging routine to ‘Kinky Afro’ the crowd knew they were in for a wild ride. Ryder, ever the unpredictable frontman, delivered his vocals with a mix of grit and cheek, throwing lyrical curveballs and Mancunian banter like confetti (mainly directed at Bez) The band launched into classics like “Step On”—yes, complete with the legendary “You’re twistin’ my melon, man!”—the crowd responded with a sea of bouncing heads and raised pints.
The Mondays’ set was a glorious throwback to the hedonistic haze of the late ’80s and early ’90s, but it didn’t feel dated. Instead, it felt like a celebration of a movement that never really stopped being cool. Their fusion of funk, psychedelia, and dance-rock still hits like fist, and their presence at Deva added a gritty, rebellious edge to an otherwise family-friendly lineup.
Even the younger festivalgoers—many of whom were likely born long after the Mondays first stormed the charts—were swept up in the atmosphere. National treasures Bez danced like time had no meaning, and Shaun proved that age hasn’t dulled his wit or his ability to command a crowd. The rest of the band matched the duo’s energy beat for beat. Mark Day, the flat-capped guitar god, strutted to the edge of the stage, playing directly to the crowd while drumming legend Whelan did what Whelan does best.
Their set was a glorious mess of rhythm, attitude, and nostalgia—like someone threw funk, punk, and a bag of glitter into a blender and hit “Mad for it.”
If you weren’t dancing and singing, you were probably laughing… or just staring at Bez, wondering if he’s immortal.
Deva – The verdict
In a time where every other event claims to be “family-friendly,” Deva Fest doesn’t just talk the talk — it delivers. Set in stunning grounds, this festival truly feels like a celebration for all ages. At times, it seemed like there were more children than adults, and rather than feeling chaotic, it added to the charm. From toddlers all sitting together in a tent, taking part in a drum lesson, to teens exploring the fairground, Deva Fest creates a safe space where families can enjoy music, culture, and fun together — without compromise.
What sets Deva apart is its ability to blend big-stage energy with a community vibe. It’s not just about the music though, it’s about the experience. Fancy dress parades, interactive street performances, gourmet food stalls, and even free fairground rides — all wrapped up in a safe, welcoming environment that felt more like a village fête on steroids than a ‘typical’ commercial festival.
But Deva Fest isn’t just a local hidden gem anymore—it’s part of a much bigger picture. With over 1,200 music and arts festivals across the UK contributing a whopping £2.5 billion to the economy, Deva is punching well above its weight. It supports jobs, boosts tourism, and gives local businesses a reason to stock extra glitter. Whether you’re a seasoned festival veteran or a first-timer with a buggy and baby wipes, Deva Fest hits that rare, sweet spot: big-name acts, laid-back vibes, and fun that doesn’t require a babysitter or a second mortgage.
So, whether you came for the music, the food, the rides, or just to see if Bez is actually immortal—Deva Fest delivered. And if this year’s growth is anything to go by, 2026 is going to be even bigger, louder, and somehow even more charming.
Well done, Deva.
Word and Photos by Shavorne Wilbraham
