On Sunday 14 June, from 11.00am - 4.00pm, we will be welcoming the city and beyond to the Cathedral Green for SussexFest - a free, open-air celebration for all ages, marking Sussex Day.
With no booking required and free access to activities throughout the day (excluding food and drink), SussexFest is designed to be fun, welcoming, and easy to drop into - whether for half an hour or the whole afternoon.
Visitors can expect:
- live performances from local choirs and community groups
- hands‑on, free creative activities and workshops for all ages and abilities
- stalls and activities from local heritage and cultural organisations
- a range of Sussex-based food and drink vendors
The making of SussexFest
Behind the scenes, the Cathedral community works alongside partners and businesses from across the region - coordinating activity, shaping the programme, and creating a space that can welcome thousands of people safely and meaningfully.
To explore how SussexFest comes together, we spoke to some of the team behind it: Charlotte, Ollie, Rebecca and Rosie.
Q: In your own words, what is SussexFest? Why is it an important event for the city?
Ollie: Sussex Day is traditionally marked on 16 June, the feast day of St Richard of Chichester, whose shrine has drawn people to the Cathedral for centuries. For us, it is an opportunity not only to reflect on that history, but to bring it into the present - celebrating the people, creativity and organisations that continue to shape Sussex today.
Rosie: Sussex Day is an occasion to come together. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only our history, but also the vibrant communities, creativity, and organisations that make Sussex so special. It is a chance for people of all ages to come together, be part of community activities, share in a sense of pride, connection, and celebration for this beautiful part of the world we call home.
Q: If you had to describe the atmosphere you’re hoping to create in just a few words, what would it be?
Charlotte: Family fun for all.
Rebecca: Welcoming, colourful, musical and fun!
Q: What are you most excited about for this year’s event?
Ollie: We’ve got some amazing live performances, and from across the Chichester District too, including from the Fishbourne Morris Dancers and Rosemary West School of Dance.
Rebecca: I’m always thrilled to see people rolling up their sleeves and getting involved with creative activities. The city and county have such strong visual arts ties, it’s always fun to see what people make.
Rosie: I am so excited to hear Big Notes Choir perform on the Green. Music is part of the heartbeat of the Cathedral, and we need little convincing of the benefits of singing for everyone. So to have a community choir come and sing for us is not only fitting but also joyous and uplifting, I may even join in a little!
Q: What has surprised you most during the planning process so far?
Ollie: It’s been a brilliant reminder of how many amazing visitor attractions and cultural assets we have right on our doorstep – from Fishbourne Roman Palace and Tangmere Aviation Museum, to our local Library Service – we are extremely lucky!
Charlotte: We’re building on the legacy of last year’s 950th birthday party, called TrinityFest, so it’s great to be reminded of the point of this kind of event – to invite everyone to celebrate together.
Q: How do you approach creating something that feels welcoming and accessible to such a wide audience?
Rebecca: I think you have to start with the basics. We have a great green space around the Cathedral, incredible local food and drink, and a range of activities, hopefully a little something for everyone.
Rosie: We’re fortunate to work with incredible organisations doing great work. Part of what we do is make sure that everyone who comes to deliver activities feels the same welcome, hospitality, and connection that we want every person attending SussexFest to experience.
Q: What role do partnerships and collaboration play in shaping SussexFest?
Charlotte: It’s always a treat to work in partnership across the city, district and diocese (East and West Sussex), and we’re proud that these collaborations help support local businesses. We have a number of independent food suppliers joining us on the day – and businesses in the city are also putting on special deals.
Ollie: We’re also so lucky to be supported by Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council and Chichester Business Improvement District (BID). Their support has meant we’ve been able to develop an event which is very much for the city, it’s residents and visitors.
Q: What are you personally most looking forward to when the day finally arrives?
Charlotte: Having an ice cream and a chicken wrap, soaking up the atmosphere.
Rebecca: I’m looking forward to some sun! It’ll be great to welcome our wider community back to the Cathedral Green for a chance to celebrate Sussex.
Rosie: Hearing people connecting with each other, seeing them explore a wide range of free activities that delight children and grownup alike and families having fun together. It’s usually these seemingly small moments, that really make something special.
Ollie: SussexFest kicks off a 10.00am where our community, and congregations, all come together for one big service before joining the Festivities at 11.00am. I’m most looking forward to seeing us all come together – everyone is invited, to the service beforehand and the entire day. See you there!
SussexFest is supported by Chichester City Council, Chichester District Council and Chichester Business Improvement District (BID).