SussexFest on the Cathedral Green

Join us on Chichester’s Cathedral Green on Sunday 14 June (11.00am-4.00pm) for SussexFest - a free community celebration marking Sussex Day and everything that makes our city and county so special.

Event details

Tickets
Free, no booking required
Date
-
(11.00-4.00pm)
Venue
Chichester Cathedral Green
Category
Community, Children & Families, Community, Free, Social

Open to all ages, this joyful gathering brings together the very best of Chichester and Sussex for a day of family entertainment, discovery and community pride.

SussexFest is an open invitation to come together and celebrate Chichester - with free admission to all activities (excluding food vendors) and no booking required, It’s a chance to discover the stories, creativity and communities that make Chichester and Sussex such special places to live, visit and enjoy.

Activities for families and young people

A wide range of organisations will deliver hands-on activities and interactive experiences throughout the day. Participants include Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester Library, The Novium Museum, Chichester Festival Theatre and JAM Café. They are joined by the Festival of Chichester, Tangmere Aviation Museum, Henry Adams, Stonepillow, LifeCentre, Home-Start and Rotary Novum Beacon. 

Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe Chichester Cathedral’s resident peregrine falcons through a telescope, offering a rare and memorable insight into one of the city’s most iconic wildlife features. 

Children can also enjoy free face-painting, drop‑in workshops and plenty of opportunities to make, try and play.

Performances and entertainment

Expect an uplifting mix of live performances from local community choirs, dance groups and community artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the heart of the city:
  • 11.00am – Once upon a Roleplay, Chichester Festival Theatre 
  • 12.00pm – Rosemary Bell School of Dance 
  • 1.00pm – Steel Pan Duo 
  • 2.00pm – Morris Dancers, Fishbourne 
  • 3.00pm – Big Notes Adult Choir 

Family-friendly entertainment will be at the heart of the day, with highlights including Bubbles Man UK and free face-painting with Marshie Sparkles. A tractor will also be on display from Sussex’s Woodhorn Farm. 

Food and refreshments

A selection of local food traders will be serving throughout the event, including E&J Syrian Cuisine, Whisk Art, Crepe Britain and the Cloisters Kitchen and Garden at Chichester Cathedral. 

City-centre food and drink businesses will also be putting on special deals for during and after the event with Chichester BID. Whether you’re buying food at SussexFest, of bringing along a picnic – there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

SussexFest is supported by Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council and Chichester Business Improvement District (BID).