It all set the scene for more than 90 brilliant events lined up across all the arts. The festival officially runs until July 9 but even after that there are a few extra bonuses. The majority of event tickets are available online through www.thenovium.org/boxoffice and in person from The Novium, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH, just a stone’s throw north of the Cathedral. Email: [email protected]; phone: 01243 816525. For phone and in-person bookings the box office is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-4.30pm & Saturday 10am-5pm. Also on Sundays 10am-4pm from June 18 onwards.

9. The Sleepy Lagoon Orchestra (27).JPG
Festival of Chichester launch Photo: Phil Hewitt

10. The Rosemary Bell Academy of Dance (65).JPG
Festival of Chichester launch Photo: Phil Hewitt

11. CYCLONE LIVE! from Audible Visions Drama .JPG
Festival of Chichester launch - CYCLONE LIVE! from Audible Visions Drama Photo: Phil Hewitt

12. Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (13).JPG
Festival of Chichester launch Photo: Phil Hewitt

