District Dispatch - 22 October 2024

I am excited to tell you that we have arranged a series of space-themed illuminations to be displayed around the city centre over the half-term holiday,  to complement the Mars immersive art installation by artist Luke Jerram which is currently on display at Chichester Cathedral from 19 October to 10 November. Entry to the Cathedral's exhibition is by voluntary donation during the day, with people requiring tickets during the evening. You can find all of the details on the Chichester Cathedral 'Mars evening viewings' page (opens new window).

The illuminations will be visible each day in Chichester city centre from 4.30pm until 11pm, using images that have kindly been supplied by the South Downs Planetarium. We would like to thank them for letting us use these images. This activity is part of our commitment to support the city's evening and night-time economy. We've even arranged for local covers band, 'The Martians', to perform on selected nights throughout the exhibition - close to the light installations. These will be situated within the city centre and just off the main streets. We're hoping that this will encourage people to come in and enjoy the Mars immersive art installation, and then stay onto enjoy the wonderful eateries and businesses that our city has to offer.

We are always trying to think of creative ways to help support our local businesses and help bring footfall to the city. Our evening and night-time economy is important and so we are really pleased to be able to work with the Cathedral to support their fantastic event and encourage people to explore the city further. In addition to this, the Chichester Business Improvement District has also put together a 'Mission To Mars' space trail for families to do during the October half term. Visit the Chichester BID 'Mission To Mars' page (opens new window) to find out more.

While talking about the evening and night-time economy, I also want to thank everyone who has responded to our survey which has asked for people's views on how they currently use, and would like to use, the city centre after 5pm. We've had a great response and look forward to updating you on the results of this once the results have been analysed.

Make sure you don't miss out on The Novium Museum's Dinosaurs: Hungry Hatchling Exhibition, which ends on 9 November. If you visit on 29 October, between 10am and 11.15am, they are running an activity where you can build and decorate your own 3D wooden dinosaur. This activity costs £5 per child. You can find out more on The Novium Museum's 'what's on' page (opens new window): www.thenovium.org.uk/whatson.

The Novium Museum also have a free 'Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail' taking place from 26 October until 2 November, where you can explore the amazing world of Roman Britain. You can discover intriguing objects, give yourself a Roman name and design your own Roman outfit. Just complete the activity sheet to receive your Totally Chaotic History sticker!

I also want to thank everyone who has supported The Novium Museum's crowd funding campaign to help save an important piece of local historic treasure. The rare Anglo-Saxon gold and garnet pyramidical sword mount, which was discovered in 2022 near Stopham in the Chichester District, dates back to AD 600-700 and is only the second of its kind to be found in West Sussex. People have been incredibly supportive and generous - and I would like to thank everyone who has donated. When writing this, the campaign had raised half its target, and so the museum is keen to reach the full target by 21 November. I know the museum would be very grateful for any support you can give, visit the Stopham Treasure page on crowdfunder (opens new window) to find out more. We will keep you posted on their progress.

Best Wishes

Cllr Adrian Moss

Leader of Chichester District Council