News

We trust that you are looking forward to the 2025 Festival of Chichester, which will run between Saturday 14 June and Sunday 20 July. We’re sure that it will be a lively, eclectic programme of arts events.  Our autumn meeting...
  • Simon
  • 25 September 2024
  • 2 Min Read
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The committee behind the Festival of Chichester is looking for new members as it starts to work towards 2025. Festival of Chichester chairman Phil Hewitt said: “We were delighted with the way that this summer’s festival went, with some excellent...
  • Simon
  • 19 September 2024
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Completing a five-week-long programme of around a hundred events For much of June and July, the Festival of Chichester has once again brought dozens of events to the city, from concerts to theatre to a whole range of talks, poetry...
  • Simon
  • 18 July 2024
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Five weeks of fun began with the launch of the Festival of Chichester 2024 on the Cathedral green yesterday morning, Saturday 15 June. The sun burst through threatening skies for a glorious hour of entertainment to mark the start of...
  • Simon
  • 16 June 2024
  • 1 Min Read
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Five weeks of fun stretching from walks to talks, exhibitions to plays, from music to film lie ahead as the Festival of Chichester gets under way. Festival president Kate Mosse is thrilled with the programme: “I’m a Chichester girl born...
  • Simon
  • 10 June 2024
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With around 100 independently-organised events spread over a period of five weeks, the 2024 Festival of Chichester starts on Saturday 15 June. All are welcome to join us between 11am and 2pm on Cathedral Green, (PO19 1PX, close to the...
  • Simon
  • 6 June 2024
  • 1 Min Read
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Festival of Chichester patron Dame Patricia Routledge gave a stirring and inspiring speech to launch the 2024 summer programme. The 2024 brochure and line-up were unveiled at a special celebration at the Novium museum in Chichester which is the festival’s...
  • Simon
  • 11 April 2024
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This summer a huge range of events will come together under the Festival of Chichester banner, embracing another rich and varied five weeks of arts and community fun. This year’s festival takes place from Saturday 15 June to Sunday 21...
  • Simon
  • 5 April 2024
  • 6 Min Read
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Mark is the coordinator of the Festival of Chichester. Phil Hewitt, Festival Chairman and Group Arts Editor for Sussexworld, is in conversation with him about some of the treats in store. Read about the highlights of this year’s festival.
  • Simon
  • 4 April 2024
  • 1 Min Read
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Chichester estate agent Kenton Budd is the principal sponsor for this year’s Festival of Chichester. Phil Hewitt, Festival Chairman and Group Arts Editor for Sussexworld, is in conversation with him about what the festival means to him. “Being part of...
  • Simon
  • 29 March 2024
  • 1 Min Read
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Whether or not you are taking part in this year’s festival, we are writing to update you on this year’s progress and to confirm some dates. Event registrations Thank you to 2024 event organisers for sending in your event details....
  • Simon
  • 11 February 2024
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Many of you joined us on November 15th to hear about our plans for the 2024 Festival of Chichester and to give us feedback on past experience and suggestions for improvements. However, we are aware that by no means everyone...
  • Simon
  • 8 December 2023
  • 1 Min Read
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The entry window for Festival of Chichester 2024 is now open for events that fall within the festival window, i.e. Saturday 15 June to Sunday 21 July. We invite you to prepare your application(s) and to submit entries before Thursday 1...
  • Simon
  • 1 December 2023
  • 3 Min Read
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Please visit our gallery page for a selection of images that we’ve been sent from 2021 to 2023. As you can see, there’s a filter enabling any photographer’s name to be credited. There’s also a free search box. All in...
  • Simon
  • 6 November 2023
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We trust that you are looking forward to the 2024 Festival of Chichester, which will run between Saturday 15 June and Sunday 21 July. We’re sure that it will be a lively, eclectic programme of arts events.  Our autumn meeting...
  • Simon
  • 8 October 2023
  • 1 Min Read
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Completion of a month-long programme of nearly a hundred events For much of June and early July 2023, the Festival of Chichester has once again brought nearly 100 events to the city, from classical concerts to theatre to a whole...
  • Simon
  • 10 July 2023
  • 2 Min Read
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The 2023 Festival of Chichester got underway on 10 June under beautiful skies with a host of free entertainment on the Cathedral Green. View a gallery of photos on SussexWorld. Watch our video.
  • Simon
  • 12 June 2023
  • 1 Min Read
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The 2023 Festival of Chichester opens on Saturday, June 10 with its traditional afternoon of fun on the Cathedral Green. All are welcome to join the Festival of Chichester committee and a host of performers between 2pm and 4.30pm for...
  • Simon
  • 8 June 2023
  • 1 Min Read
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With dozens of independently organised events spread over a period of a month, the 2023 Festival of Chichester starts on Saturday 10 June. All are welcome to join us between 2pm and 4pm on Cathedral Green, (PO19 1PX, close to...
  • Simon
  • 25 May 2023
  • 2 Min Read
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The curtain goes up today on a fabulous programme for this year’s Festival of Chichester, running from Saturday, June 10 to Sunday, July 9. Festival chairman Phil Hewitt said: “Once again we are offering a fantastic four weeks of fun...
  • Simon
  • 6 April 2023
  • 3 Min Read
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Visit this page on SussexWorld to hear Festival Chairman Phil Hewitt and Festival Coordinator Mark Elliott in conversation. News item: The Festival of Chichester 2023 box office is now open
  • Simon
  • 6 April 2023
  • 1 Min Read
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We are looking forward to an exciting festival in 2023. It will run from Saturday 10 June to Sunday 9 July. The entry window for this year’s Festival of Chichester is now open. We invite you to submit your entries...
  • Simon
  • 30 November 2022
  • 3 Min Read
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Click here to view the highlights of 2022.
  • Simon
  • 19 November 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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Festival chairman Phil Hewitt said: “Dame Patricia Routledge has been a wonderful patron to us for many years, unstinting in her support, but we thought we deserved a president as well! Kate and her husband Greg have been central to...
  • Simon
  • 10 November 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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We are looking forward to the 2023 Festival of Chichester, which will run between 10 June and 9 July, and are hoping to be able to return to a lively, eclectic programme of arts events. Our autumn meeting has always...
  • Simon
  • 1 November 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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As previously reported, Barry Smith has stepped down after ten years as coordinator of the Festival of Chichester. The voluntary role will be taken on for next year by newcomer Mark Elliott, a Sussex-born travel writer and former tour guide....
  • Simon
  • 12 September 2022
  • 4 Min Read
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The Festival of Chichester committee has started planning for the 2023 festival – without co-ordinator Barry Smith who has stepped down after playing a crucial role in the festival’s first ten years. Read more.
  • Simon
  • 2 September 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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A month-long programme of a hundred Festival of Chichester events came to a triumphant conclusion on the final Saturday with a concert at a favourite festival venue, St Paul’s Church. The local Chichester Symphony Orchestra thrilled with a rendition of...
  • Simon
  • 11 July 2022
  • 3 Min Read
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The Festival has been featured in the new ‘The Art of Chichester’ exhibition and book. The exhibition is at The Novium Museum and runs from Saturday, 25 June until 25 February 2023. An accompanying book written by exhibition curator David...
  • Simon
  • 26 June 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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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...
  • Simon
  • 25 June 2022
  • 2 Min Read
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Yesterday the 2022 Festival of Chichester got off to a flying start! A packed Cathedral Green saw performances from Tesoro, The Sleepy Lagoon Orchestra, the Bernardi Music Group and Olivia Stevens & Co. View the video. Kate Mosse, author, the...
  • Simon
  • 12 June 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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On Friday 3 June Chichester Cathedral and Chichester BID are organising a free community get-together with face-painting, crafts and live entertainment, taking place on the Cathedral Green (12 – 3 pm).  Members of our organising team and a selection of...
  • Simon
  • 26 May 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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The fantastic 2022 Festival of Chichester is all set to launch on Saturday 11 June, 2 – 4 pm, on Cathedral Green, Chichester Cathedral, West Street, PO19 1PX. The Mayor of Chichester, Julian Joy, and Chichester’s very own famous novelist,...
  • Simon
  • 17 May 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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We are looking for two people with energy and fresh ideas who can join our committee and help us in two important areas. Grant applications: We are looking for someone who will take on our search for funding. We have...
  • Simon
  • 13 May 2022
  • 2 Min Read
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Last night there was a celebration of the opening of the Festival of Chichester’s tenth season at our box office in The Novium in Chichester. Watch a short video. The Festival of Chichester is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a...
  • Simon
  • 7 April 2022
  • 2 Min Read
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Ticket sales for the 2022 Festival of Chichester go on sale at our box office facility, Chichester Box Office, based within the Novium at Tower Street, Chichester PO191QH.
  • Simon
  • 21 March 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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We are responding to requests from some festival event organisers to offer a short extension to our event entry deadline of 31 January. Although this is not something we can manage every year, in the current circumstances as the country...
  • Simon
  • 27 January 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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A season of events, performances, live entertainment and community projects will be held to mark a momentous year of cultural anniversaries in the Chichester district this year. Read more.
  • Simon
  • 18 January 2022
  • 1 Min Read
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Festival 2022 This year’s festival, which runs from 11 June to 10 July, will be a very special occasion – our tenth anniversary. As part of our celebrations, we are linking up with the Chichester District’s CULTURE SPARK, joining forces...
  • Simon
  • 10 January 2022
  • 3 Min Read
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The Festive Jazz Café, the Festival of Chichester’s special seasonal treat of words and music which is usually held in historic St John’s Chapel, is going online this year because of the current concerns about live events. The show is...
  • Simon
  • 11 December 2021
  • 3 Min Read
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After our successful come-back festival last year, we are looking forward to a full-scale, really exciting festival in 2022 with both live and virtual events. The festival will run from Saturday 11 June to Sunday 10 July. The entry window...
  • Simon
  • 1 December 2021
  • 3 Min Read
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Our annual Public Meeting will be held at 7pm in the Council Chamber, North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LQ on Tuesday, October 19 2021. At the meeting we will look back at the 2021 Festival and ahead to 2022 which remarkably...
  • Simon
  • 13 September 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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For 2022, we are looking forward to being a leading part of the Season of Culture.
  • Simon
  • 14 July 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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As the country emerged from the pandemic, the Festival of Chichester returned with a bang. A month-long programme of exciting events - live, virtual and outdoors - ran from 12th June to 11th July.
  • Simon
  • 13 July 2021
  • 3 Min Read
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Week 4 (4 to 11 July) What a time we’ve had, with a scintillating mix of outdoor, live and virtual events, offering audiences the chance to immerse themselves in fun, culture and entertainment. We’ve had some brilliant events including sell-out...
  • Simon
  • 2 July 2021
  • 3 Min Read
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Week 3 (28 June to 3 July)Week 4 – click here The 2021 Festival of Chichester is now in full flow with a scintillating mix of outdoor, live and virtual events, which offer audiences the chance to immerse themselves in...
  • Simon
  • 25 June 2021
  • 3 Min Read
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To celebrate the launch of this year’s Festival of Chichester, many city centre businesses took part in a special window display competition, which was judged on Friday 11 June by stage and screen actress Paula Tinker. Watch Paula talk about...
  • Simon
  • 17 June 2021
  • 2 Min Read
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Week 2 (21 to 27 June) The 2021 Festival of Chichester is now underway with a scintillating mix of outdoor, live and virtual events, which offer audiences the chance to immerse themselves in fun, culture and entertainment. We have had...
  • Simon
  • 17 June 2021
  • 3 Min Read
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Festival of Chichester patron Dame Patricia Routledge has wished the venture well as the Festival launches into its ninth edition this weekend. Chichester resident and long-term supporter of the arts across the community, Dame Patricia said: “Congratulations on the return...
  • Simon
  • 11 June 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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Week 1 (14 to 21 June) The waiting is finally over as the 2021 Festival of Chichester launches with a bang! In a scintillating mix of outdoor, live and virtual events, the festival offers audiences the chance to immerse themselves...
  • Simon
  • 9 June 2021
  • 2 Min Read
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Paula Tinker, stage and screen actress who has appeared in several Chichester Festival Theatre productions, has kindly agreed to be the judge for this year’s Festival Shop Window Competition. Judging takes place on Friday 11 June at 11am. Paula’s stage...
  • Simon
  • 4 June 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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The Festival is delighted to celebrate the joy of words, the power to inspire, those leaps of the imagination taking us to new and exciting places. Whether you like settling down for the curtain to rise on a good drama...
  • Simon
  • 31 May 2021
  • 2 Min Read
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We all love a good tune…. some of us can’t resist the sound of soaring classical strings, others go for a jazzy riff or a blues beat…. whatever your tastes, there’s a fantastic selection to choose from at this year’s...
  • Simon
  • 23 May 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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A fantastic range of events will go sale on Saturday 8 May as the Festival of Chichester opens its box office for business. Dame Penelope Keith, Kate Mosse and Loyd Grossman, the Castalian Quartet, pianist Young-Choon Park, guitarists Linda Kelsall-Barnett...
  • Simon
  • 6 May 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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As the country bounces back from pandemic restrictions, the Festival of Chichester returns with a bang!  The Festival is looking to join forces with local businesses to promote the city with a colourful Shop Window Competition where businesses can showcase their wares...
  • Simon
  • 24 April 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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This year’s Festival of Chichester has received a perfectly timed boost in the shape of a £2,500 discretionary grant from Chichester City Council. The money, agreed by the City Council’s community affairs committee, will be used for publicity for this...
  • Simon
  • 23 April 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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Some good news at last! As promised, the entry window for this year’s Festival of Chichester is now open. We invite event organisers to submit their entries. We are looking forward to the 2021 Festival of Chichester, which will run...
  • Simon
  • 1 March 2021
  • 2 Min Read
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The Festival of Chichester is planning confidently for the future with a major IT investment – thanks to generous grant support from Chichester District Council. CDC is giving the festival a grant of £1,600 towards the cost of a new...
  • Simon
  • 4 February 2021
  • 1 Min Read
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Please come back to this website between 1 March and 30 April to submit your application for entry. There will be a link to access information and an online entry form. We are still looking forward to the 2021 Festival...
  • Simon
  • 18 January 2021
  • 2 Min Read
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Each December, the Festival of Chichester puts on an exciting evening of jazz and readings to celebrate the Christmas season and to raise much-needed funds to kickstart next summer’s festival. This year, it is going virtual. You can enjoy online...
  • Simon
  • 6 December 2020
  • 1 Min Read
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NEWS