CHANCE CLEAN CIDER, the UK’s first dedicated non-alcoholic cider brand, has confirmed its first major food festival sponsorship.
Marking a key step for both the brand and the alcohol-free drinks sector, CHANCE will act as Headline Sponsor of the Cheshire & North Wales Food and Drink Festival. The long-running event returns to Chester over the Easter Bank Holiday after its future was secured earlier this year following concerns about closure after 25 years.
The brand was founded by drinks specialist John Logue, whose career includes senior roles with Rekorderlig, CROSSIP and Lucky Saint. CHANCE offers a 0.5% ABV cider made from 100% British apples in Worcestershire and has quickly established itself within the growing alcohol-free category. The sponsorship signals its move into large-scale live events.
For the company, the collaboration reflects both commercial growth and the rising visibility of alcohol-free options within mainstream food and drink culture.
The decision also carries a personal link. John first arrived in Chester as a University of Chester student in 1999 and has remained in the city ever since, giving him more than 27 years of local ties.
He said: “This is a landmark moment for CHANCE. It’s the first festival we’ve sponsored, and it reflects both the growth of the brand and the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic options at major events. Consumers want choice, quality and inclusivity, and festivals are evolving to reflect that.”
Support for independent producers and retailers also influenced the partnership, aligning with the festival’s long-standing focus on quality food and drink.
The event is now organised by hotelier and DevaFest co-owner Steven Hesketh together with CoolBreeze Events founder Katie Isaacson, who stepped in earlier this year to ensure its continuation.
Steven said: “Having the UK’s first non-alcoholic cider brand as our Headline Sponsor reflects the direction the industry is moving in. The drinks landscape is changing rapidly, and we want this festival to reflect modern tastes while continuing to support independent producers.”
Running from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, the festival will feature chefs, food personalities and artisan producers, alongside a programme of family entertainment.
CHANCE will be present across the site, with its products available in bar fridges and a dedicated space within the Beer & Cider area. John Logue will also take part in talks across several stages, highlighting the brand’s broader involvement.
Great British Bake-Off winner Matty Edgell will headline on Saturday 4 April. MasterChef 2024 champion Brin Pirathapan appears on Friday 3 April, with another headline act still to be announced. Further appearances include Aiden Byrne, Neil Aitken of The Forge, fire-cooking duo Lumberjaxe (Jaydon & Brendon), Paul Askew, Brian Mellor, Harry Elliott, Naomi Griffiths, James Ellams and Felix Shore of Restaurant 209.
Trader applications and ticket sales are now open, with priority given to local and returning producers. Organisers advise early booking due to strong demand.
Further details can be found at www.cnwfoodanddrinkfestival.com
