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. The festival comprises over 130 independently organised events across many genres taking place between 14 June and 20 July 2025.
As from Saturday 5 April you’ll be able to access this year’s programme from this website or in physical form from The Novium, Chichester’s museum, opposite the library on Tower Street.
Our brochure
Full details of all the events are listed in our brochure, which will be available for download on 5 April. Printed brochures are available at the Novium Museum (which doubles as the main box office) and are also being distributed widely across the district and beyond over the coming days and weeks.
A great line-up
Festival of Chichester chairman Phil Hewitt said: “We are thrilled with the programme which has come together for this year, a wonderful range of events from walks to talks, from theatre to art and community events. At the heart of all of them is the wonderful array of talents we have got in and around Chichester.
“And as ever, we are hugely grateful to Chichester City Council for the financial support which makes all of it possible. The City Council have been behind us from the moment we dreamt up a new festival for Chichester in the autumn of 2012, and ever since their generosity and encouragement have been central to all that we do.
“We are also delighted to welcome a new principal sponsor to the Festival of Chichester this year, Edward Cooke Family Law, especially as Edward has been a performer in the past at our festivals. He knows exactly what our Festival of Chichester is all about – and it is fantastic to welcome him for 2025 as our principal sponsor. We are also extremely grateful to the Chichester Observer for all the space and encouragement they give us. Big thanks too to our Festival president Kate Mosse and our Festival patron Dame Patricia Routledge. It’s great to know that they are with us every step of the way.
“Organising the Festival we have got a small committee of dedicated and energetic souls, each vital to the cause. It has been a pleasure to work with them.”
A few glimpses of some festival events
As ever the events will be packed with both local talent as well as some big names from further afield.
This year is particularly special in many ways. The festival joins the Cathedral in celebrating Chichester950, sharing ‘TrinityFest on the Green’ (15 June) as the official festival launch. The inspiring Children’s Bookfest charity has curated a mini-series of events with children’s authors plus a fundraiser featuring media personality Rev Richard Coles.
The fabulous New Park Centre, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has also put together a series of taster classes and workshops. The fun filled City Gala features as a partner event. There’s an artists’ weekend showcasing local creativity. Several outdoor events highlight eco-friendly initiatives.
And all this is on top of another fabulous summer of music from classical to rock to jazz, great talks, rollicking theatre, gallery events, walking tours and – this year – themed boat trips on Chichester Harbour.
Box office
The majority of event tickets will be available online from Saturday 5 April through www.thenovium.org/boxoffice and in person from The Novium, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH, just a stone’s throw north of the Cathedral. Email: boxoffice@chichester.gov.uk; phone: 01243 816525. For phone and in-person bookings the box office is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4.30pm & Saturday 10am-5pm. Also on Sundays 10am-4pm from 8 June onwards.
Advertisers and supporters
The festival would not be possible without the financial assistance of its advertisers, which include Edward Cooke, Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Chichester BID, the New Park Centre, Nyton House, Pallant House Gallery and Timothy Roe Jewellery. Its principal supporter is Chichester City Council.
