A CONTORTIONIST and escapologist who entertained Prince William during his stag party is one of the star acts of three days of cultural activities taking place in Chester this weekend.

Chris Cross, who is said to have been described as “a brilliant show” by Prince Harry, is topping the bill at the Vaudeville Weekend, just one of three events taking place from tomorrow.

International performers will be demonstrating their talents at Town Hall Square, The Cross, Eastgate Street and Watergate Street from 11am each day.

Cabaret shows will take place in the evenings, starting with a family friendly variety performances from 6pm, featuring Chinese pole artists, circus juggling, contortionists and hula-hooping. Cross will star in the over-18s show, featuring a mixture of trickery, theatre, comedy, burlesque and sideshows. Both events take place at the Town Hall.

Also happening this weekend as part of Chester’s 44-day cultural festival MBNA Chestival are a Midsummer Watch Parade and the city’s famous Mystery Plays presented in miniature.

Tracy Lynn, director of organiser Chester Festivals, says: “Last year, we doubled the usual footfall for a summer weekend in Chester on this particular weekend, and we want to do the same again this year. We have worked with the same formula of Midsummer Watch Parade and Chester Mystery Plays, but added a third ingredient – Vaudeville weekend, which will carry the entertainment all the way through to early evening.”

Theatre in the Quarter will present The Creation at the amphitheatre, where it is free of charge to attend, beginning at 6pm tomorrow. Each 30-minute play will be performed by local schools and community groups. Pupils are also involved in the Midsummer Watch parade, working under Chester artist Russell Kirk to create characters that include unicorns, stags and dragons.

TICKETS and details at www.chesterfestivals.co.uk