Celebrate Chessington

Last updated on 15 February 2026

Celebrate Chessington is an annual, free, family‑friendly fun day bursting with activities, colourful displays, brilliant stalls and lively entertainment. It’s a chance for residents, community groups, charities, small businesses and independent traders to come together and showcase everything that makes Chessington such a great place to be. Whether you’ve been part of the neighbourhood for decades or are discovering it for the first time, everyone is welcome.

When and where

The 2026 event takes place on Thursday 28th May, during half‑term week, at Churchfields Recreation Ground, Compton Crescent, Chessington KT9 2HD.

Each year the event grows and offers funfair rides, live music, demonstrations, entertainment, stalls, food, games and activities for all ages. Admission is free. It remains a non‑cash event, with tokens used for rides and attractions, and it continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and the dedication of volunteers who give their time to make it happen.

CDRA at Celebrate Chessington 2025

It was wonderful to be part of Celebrate Chessington 2025 and to meet so many Chessington residents and members. Thanks for dropping by the CDRA stall for a chat and to look at the display of the memories residents have shared with us as part of our 50th anniversary.

Key concerns raised with us during the day were related to planning and the impact of more development on the existing infrastructure and environment and how this affects residents’ quality of life. The memories also prompted lots of ‘do you remember …’ chats!

We were pleased to meet Kingston’s new mayor, Councillor Hadjimichael, and welcome him and his deputy (and our local councillor), Sue Ansari, to the CDRA stall. We talked about the importance of grassroots campaigns and the role of residents and residents’ associations in community action.

Behind the scenes

Celebrate Chessington is run by a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a type of limited company created to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. The executive committee meets throughout the year to plan and deliver the event.

The day simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of funders, partners and the incredible volunteers who bring energy, enthusiasm and countless hours of hard work.

Where it all began

The event began in 2009 as Chessington Fun Day, following a joint community needs assessment by the Royal Borough of Kingston, NHS Kingston and Kingston Voluntary Action. The aim was straightforward: bring people together, share local information and offer families an affordable, welcoming day out.

What started as a small gathering at St Mary’s Centre and Churchfields Recreation Ground quickly grew, supported by local organisations, businesses and volunteers. Over the years, contributions from Lidl, Chessington Garden Centre, Chessington World of Adventures and many others helped the event flourish. The Mayor of Kingston, councillors, police teams and rangers have also played key roles from the very beginning.

Get involved

Whether you’d like a stall at the event, would like to donate a prize, your time or your money, Celebrate Chessington would like to hear from you!

Find out more