The 2022 Festival of Chichester is now in full flow with a scintillating mix of events offering audiences the chance to immerse themselves in fun, culture and entertainment. The second half of the festival brings even more delights. Still to come is legendary Liverpudlian poet Roger McGough with Poetry and Music at the Cathedral.
There’s a wonderful choice of musical highlights, both classical and popular. Top-class orchestras who would grace any festival anywhere are right here at Chichester. Look out for the fabulous saxophonist Jess Gillam with the London Mozart Players, admired cellist Leonard Elschenbroich with the BSO and rising star pianist Elena Toponogova in a free lunchtime recital at the Cathedral. Wonderful festival regulars Pavlos Carvalho (cello) and Louisa Lam (piano) are at St Paul’s while the Parnassian Ensemble returns with harpsichord delights at Fishbourne and there’s the Chichester Symphony Orchestra at St. Paul’s.
Other musical delights include the catchy sounds of the Stardust Sussex Jazz band or Olivia Stevens’ jazzy blues at the Chichester Inn. You can catch the Klezmer Balkan band She’Koyokh in an outdoor picnic show at Halnaker Park Cottage grounds or over at Graylingwell Chapel there’s folk maestro Andy Cutting or the jam-packed programme of the Fringe. The Southdowns Concert Band are celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee at St Paul’s.
The theatre highlights include Pergola Open Air Theatre at West Dean Gardens with two entertaining plays, Rumours by Neil Simon and the classic Come on Jeeves. You can enjoy Scrumptious Sussex at the Free School or learn about the history of plagues in Talks at Six with Craig Gershatter or join the Bumblebee Identification outdoor talk at Whyke Orchard.
Art lovers are spoilt for choice with a wide selection of shows across the city and beyond. Take your pick from a major Glyn Philpot exhibition at Pallant House, Artel contemporary artists exhibiting work that celebrates Chichester Canal’s 200th anniversary and a Piers Ottey exhibition at the Oxmarket; be inspired by Kerry Harding’s Cornish Landscapes at Candida Stevens Gallery, catch Catherine Barnes’ colourful paintings or enjoy heritage rose paintings by Diana Smith in Chichester Library.
Then, of course, there’s the city itself, which can be explored on walks with expert guides – choose from a Cathedral Tour focusing on the Monarchy, Guided Tours of the City Walls, the City Highlights walks or a Bat Walk at Dusk.
Pictured: She’Koyokh
