SussexFest offers free Cathedral Green summer fun day
A free family fete is coming to Chichester’s historic Cathedral Green this summer.
Chichester Cathedral will host SussexFest on Sunday, June 14, a free community event celebrating the heritage, identity and creativity of Sussex. The event brings together families, residents, cultural organisations and Chichester-based businesses for a full day of activities on the city’s historic Cathedral Green.
The Very Rev Dr Edward Dowler, Dean of Chichester, said: “SussexFest is a celebration of everything that makes Sussex special – its people, stories, landscapes and creativity. It’s a chance for Chichester people, families, and visitors to come together and enjoy a free day of fun on the Cathedral Green. We’re proud to be working with so many brilliant partners from across the county to create something joyful, inclusive and truly local.”
Visitors can enjoy free drop‑in family friendly activities delivered from cultural, creative and heritage organisations, including Fishbourne Roman Palace, Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, West Sussex Library Service. The day also marks the launch of the Festival of Chichester – a month-long arts, music and culture festival held in Chichester every June and July.
SussexFest will feature performances from school choirs, early-years musicians and community groups from across the Chichester District. Food and drink will be provided by a curated selection of Sussex-based businesses, with additional special offers available across the city centre in partnership with Chichester BID.
Delivered with support from Chichester City Council, SussexFest builds on the success of TrinityFest, which welcomed thousands to the Cathedral Green in 2025. This year’s celebration marks Sussex Day weekend with hands-on crafts, music, food, and heritage activities for all ages.
Dean Edward added: “SussexFest takes place ahead of Sussex Day, which marks the feast day of St Richard of Chichester, the patron saint of Sussex, whose shrine has been part of the Cathedral’s history since the 13th century – and that pilgrims still visit to this day.”
SussexFest on the Cathedral Green will take place on Sunday, June 14, 11- 4pm. A service will take place in the Cathedral before festivities commence at 10am, all are welcome to join.
Chichester Cathedral is both a living church and the Mother Church of the Diocese, stretching nearly a hundred miles along the south coast between East and West Sussex. The Cathedral is renowned for its ancient and modern art, featuring works by Lambert Barnard, Graham Sutherland, Marc Chagall, Ursula Benker-Schirmer, John Piper and Philip Jackson. It also boasts a celebrated musical heritage, from the Cathedral Choir to connections with esteemed composers such as Leonard Bernstein and Gustav Holst.