District Dispatch - 2 July 2024

Our popular Cross Market & More artisan market and Summer Street Party will be returning from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 7 July. Both events will come together in Chichester city centre for a mixed street market, celebrating the very best creatives, designers, makers and producers from the district along with entertainment and family activities.

We'll have a full programme of live entertainment with various local music artists, a fashion show; children's magic performances; face painting; hair braiding, a carousel; trampolines; garden games; and, also a reptile encounter. 

If you've never been before, then expect a vibrant and colourful day. We close both South Street and West Street to traffic so that we can create an 'al fresco' dining area, while West Street and Cathedral Green will host free entertainment and attractions.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to the Chichester Business Improvement District (BID) for their support in organising this event and also Chichester Rotary and Creative Beatz plus all the stallholders and entertainment providers.

If you live in Midhurst, we've organised an open-air cinema day on Saturday 13 July in the Market Square as part of the CultureSpark programme. There will be a showing of the film 'Wonka' at 2pm, and beforehand there will be a fun kids' karaoke session at 1pm led by singer Lizzie Haynes. Later on, at 6pm there will be a screening of 'Mamma Mia' followed by an Abba tribute band which I am sure will be very popular! We're hoping to bring a big feel-good atmosphere, so make sure you bring a chair or blanket, sit back and enjoy.

We're also looking to organise a brand-new event for Midhurst this year, featuring stand-up comedians and street musicians. Details are still being finalised, but it will take place on Saturday 27 July, so please save the date.

Other events taking place on land that we look after include a Community Choral Event in Bishop's Palace Gardens on 21 July, while Circus Zyair are returning to Oaklands Park with performances 24-29 July. And film lovers will enjoy the annual Chichester International Film Festival Open Air Screenings in Priory Park 9-11 August.

In addition, we're also looking to hold a family day at Chichester Skatepark later this summer where families can come together and enjoy demonstrations and workshops.

We've also been working wide a variety of other event organisers to bring their events to the district. In April, we had the first Antiques and Vintage Market in Chichester city centre, and I'm pleased that this will be returning on Sunday 11 August, with a variety of high-quality second-hand and vintage goods. In January, we helped bring the first vegan market to Chichester and this will be returning bigger and better in late September.

As well as these we also have lots of community events listed on our Chichester District Council What's On pages or, follow our Chichester District events and markets facebook page (opens new window).

The Great Sussex Way - which promotes tourism for the district - also has a wealth events and days out information too.

And, if you'd like to get involved with any events we are organising or have an idea for something that you'd like to see, do email us at events@chichester.gov.uk to see how we can work together.

On a final note, it's General Election week and if you're planning to vote, please remember that you will need to bring a suitable form of photographic ID with you when you go to the polling station. If you want further advice, please check our Chichester District Council 'Elections' pages for more details.

Best Wishes

Diane Shepherd

Chief Executive at Chichester District Council