District Dispatch - 3 October 2023

The force will be strong in Chichester from Saturday 7 October when we launch The Novium Museum's latest exhibition 'May the Toys Be With You.' If you are a Star Wars fan, then this is definitely one for you! One of the UK's finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters will be on display. The exhibition is both a celebration of the new highly collectable vintage toy line and of the iconic design work and art of the original Star Wars movies.

Visitors can also look forward to some interactive gallery features; dress up as a Star Wars character, pose for a selfie with a Storm Trooper, trail; and get the opportunity to explore other toys inspired by the 1970s with a look through a vintage toy box. 

'May The Toys Be With You' opens at The Novium Museum on Saturday, 7 October 2023 and will run until Saturday, 20 April 2024. Tickets cost £4 for adults, £2.50 for children and £12 for a family of up to five (maximum two adults). Entry to the rest of the museum remains free, with donations gratefully accepted.

Our popular Cross, Market & More will also return to North and East Street in Chichester on Sunday 15 October between 10 am to 4pm. This innovative, quality mixed street market will showcase the creative talent from across the district, including artisans from 'Love from Selsey', Petworth and several independent shops from Chichester city centre. You'll also find street food and entertainment, including the Big Noise Community Samba Band. Definitely not one to be missed!

I'm also pleased to let you know that the City Sounds music festival is returning to Chichester on Saturday 25 November, following its success in March of this year, and promises to be even bigger and better. The festival, which will take place across eight venues in the city, has already doubled in size and now even offers a venue for under 18s. The organisers are also planning to work with students from Chichester College and the University of Chichester who want to kick start their music career. People will be able to follow a musical map of the city and soak up the original sounds of local musicians at a variety of venues from midday until 10pm.

The under 18s stage will kick start the celebrations at Franco Manca at midday, which will focus on emerging talent in an age group that rarely gets to be involved in festivals. Then, from 5pm people will be able to listen to artists and bands in The Escapist, The Fountain, Trents, George and Dragon, Little Monster Tap, the Hole In The Wall and Havana.

The first City Sounds Festival, which took place earlier this year, was a huge success with venues reporting a 300% increase in trade on the day; residents and visitors enjoying free entertainment; and local musicians having a stage to perform their own music on.

As a council, we are really proud to be supporting the festival, which we believe will continue to go from strength to strength and further enhance Chichester's reputation as a creative and musical city. This is part of our commitment to provide more events in the district to encourage people to visit, in addition to supporting Chichester's evening and night-time economy. It is also in direct response to what you have told us that you want to see and enjoy.

Remember to visit our online 'What's On' guide for more events across the district and sign up to our monthly Chichester District email newsletter to receive updates on what is going on locally.

Best Wishes

Cllr Jess Brown-Fuller

Cabinet Member for Culture and Events at Chichester District Council