Excellent Events in and around Chichester
Excellent Events in Chichester to get the summer off with a bang
This summer hit the glorious district of Chichester to get your fill of cultural, artistic, foodie, horticultural, historical and musical events, to keep you in the satisfied for the rest of the year.
West Dean Garden Event - 21st & 22nd June
A horticultural highlight in the British garden enthusiast's calendar. Green fingered exhibitors from across the country will provide a variety of specialist plants, shrubs, roses, herbs, vegetables and young plants, plus a selection of garden tools, furniture, ornaments, sculptures and food products. Leave your purchases safely at the Plant Crèche and enjoy the year round attractions at West Dean, which include a 300ft Edwardian Pergola, Victorian walled garden and stunning arboretum walk. Throughout the weekend there will be expert advice from specialist nurseries leaving you with plenty of inspiration and the opportunity to purchase goodies for your summer garden. Entry is £7.25 see www.westdean.org.uk for further information.
A Celebration of Speed 11- 13 July
Attracting the likes of Hollywood actress Ashley Judd, supermodel Jodie Kidd and F1 Rally Driver Jenson Button, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is like no other event in the world. Taking place from 11th - 13th July, it is the greatest gathering of motor racing cars in the world, attracting stars and cars, from every corner of motor racing's hall of fame. The festival is the only occasion where you will see action from the greatest competition cars and star drivers from all eras, with everything from 19th century steam carriages to current Formula One vehicles and fabulous racing motorcycles alongside classic rally cars and dragsters. Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with this year's line up and younger children will love the Junior Festival of Speed, which is full of fun activities for kids aged from 2 to 12 years. It is an exceptional day out for all the family with activities to delight everyone. For advance ticket information visit www.goodwood.co.uk.
Chichester Festivities 27 June to 13 July
A whizz-bang firework extravaganza at Goodwood Racecourse heralds the opening of this year's Festivities. Boasting a full 17-days of music, performance and events, Chichester Festivities is an arts celebration to be reckoned with. Now in its 34th year, the festivities attract a fantastic variety of national and international performers to the beautiful Georgian city with an array of comedy, literature, politics and current affairs events. This year's line-up includes performances from sixties legend Lulu and her five piece band, Flutists Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway will give an unmissable performance in the magnificent Chichester Cathedral and nation's favourite Barry Cryer presents his exciting new show Still Alive with Colin Sell. For ticket information visit www.chifest.org.uk or call the box office on 01243 785 718.
Heavy Horses
June heralds the annual Heavy Horse Spectacular, hosted by the award-winning Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Breeds of heavy horse, including Shire, Suffolk Punch, Percheron and Clydesdale will be showcased alongside a colourful parade of agricultural and trade horse-drawn trade vehicles, all against the picturesque backdrop of the outdoor museum. A trip to the Weald and Downland Museum is ideal for all the family and will excite the imagination of children, with traditional breed farm animals, a picturesque lake, woodland walks and large open spaces for everyone to enjoy. For more details on the event please visit www.wealddown.co.uk or ring 01243 811348.
Festival Fun
Fancy catching some top music acts and sampling delicious ales in a parkland setting? The annual Chichester Real Ale and Jazz Festival attracts an ever more impressive line-up of musical legends to the delightful setting of Priory Park this summer and with tickets limited to a very civilised 2,500 you can have plenty of fun without the scrum of some of the UK's larger festivals. This year, visitors will be revelling within the city's Roman walls to bands including James Taylor Quartet, Squeeze with Jules Holland and 10cc. What's more there will be some 54 Real Ales to sample! The event runs from the 9th to 13th July. For a full line-up and booking information visit www.chichester-rajf.co.uk or call 0870 950 9669.
For further information on these excellent events and the delightful coastal, city and countryside attractions of Chichester and hotels within the region please visit www.visitchichester.org
