Appeal to illuminate Chichester with mayor and city council

As part of its anniversary celebrations marking 800 years of civic history, Chichester City Council is inviting residents of all ages to come together for a special Lantern Parade and Mayor's Proclamation on Saturday 31 October.

The event will begin at 4pm outside the Council House on North Street, where the Mayor and City Councillors will lead a colourful community procession through the city centre to the Market Cross. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether carrying a lantern made at one of the Council's workshops, a lantern created at home, or simply joining friends, family and neighbours for this unique civic celebration.

The parade draws inspiration from a historic Chichester tradition, when the Mayor would walk through the city streets behind a globe-shaped lantern known as the Municipal Moon, which is now preserved at The Novium Museum. Eight centuries later, Chichester City Council is reviving this tradition, inviting residents of all ages to carry lanterns, light up the city, and celebrate the rich heritage and strong community spirit that continue to define Chichester today.

Accompanied by the sounds of the Petworth Town Band, the procession will make its way from the Council House to the Market Cross. There, the Mayor will deliver a special proclamation to commemorate the City's 800th anniversary, followed by a blessing for Chichester from the Reverend Canon David Nason.

Although tickets for the Lantern Making Workshops have now sold out, there will be limited number of walk-in spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis on Thursday 29 October from 10.30am to 4pm. Full details can be found at: https://chichestercity.gov.uk/events/lantern-making-workshops/.

To help everyone get into the spirit of the occasion, a small number of pre-made lanterns will be available at the Council House.

Following the proclamation at the Market Cross, the procession will continue along East Street to Priory Park, concluding at approximately 4.30pm and leaving plenty of time for families to enjoy the rest of their Halloween celebrations.

Whether you're carrying a lantern, enjoying the music, or simply supporting from the sidelines, this promises to be a memorable afternoon celebrating the people, history and community spirit that have shaped Chichester over the past 800 years. Join us as we light up the city and create a new chapter in Chichester's story together.

Visit our website for more details of all our half term activities: https://chichestercity.gov.uk/october-half-term-activities-celebrate-800-years-of-chichester-city-council/