District Dispatch from the Leader of Chichester District Council

You may remember that last year we launched Culture Spark, which provided a year of events, live entertainment and community projects to celebrate the rich and diverse range of cultural and heritage experiences in the district. I’m pleased to let you know that following the success of this initiative, we have agreed to continue to fund this until 2025. We’ve been able to do this, thanks to the government funding we received through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Two activities have already been arranged, including a sand art installation which will take place at West Wittering on 29 January from 9.30am until 1pm, as well as the creation of a community landscape work of art in the grounds of Petworth House on 17 February between 10am and 2pm. The activities are led by artist, Mark Haddon Ford, and everyone is welcome to get involved. In addition, ten local professional artists are currently working with local groups and schools to create an exhibition, which will be held in Chichester and Petworth in March. All of the activities have been inspired by Pallant House Gallery’s current exhibition: Sussex Landscapes – Chalk, Wood and Water. To find out more email: culturespark2022@gmail.com

While we are on the topic of events and activities, I’m pleased to say that we have lots to look forward to. On 10 February between 9am and 6pm we are hosting the regional heat of the UK Barista Championships at the Assembly Rooms in Chichester where we will be cheering on two of our own local baristas. The regional finalists will go to the UK finals in London and the winner from there will compete in the World Championships. We’re encouraging people to pop along and cheer on the competitors and enjoy some free coffee. If you’re interested, please register at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ukbc-regional-heats-chichester-tickets-512905633557?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. To celebrate, we have also organised our own Latte throwdown competition on 9 February at the Assembly Rooms in Chichester, where local baristas will compete against another to create the best coffee art. Please do come along and watch. We’ll be there from 6pm until 9pm. A coffee trail is also being organised across Chichester by the BID: www.chichesterbid.co.uk/events/

I’m also excited to tell you that we are arranging a free laser extravaganza show at the Canal Basin in Chichester on 17 and 18 February to mark the half-term holidays! We will be running two 20-minute laser shows which will be set to music on both days – one at 6pm and the other at 7.30pm. We’ll also have ‘light’ jugglers and hula-hoop jugglers to entertain the audience, as well as food stalls. We’ve been able to do this, thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. As soon as we have more information to share, I will let you know.

I’m also pleased to tell you that our Cross, Market & More markets are now a regular fixture and the first one will return on 12 March. At the markets you’ll be able to browse handmade crafts and designs, sample delicious street food, and enjoy the family entertainment on offer. Pop the dates in your diary and we’ll see you there!

You can find out more about events and markets happening across the district at www.chichester.gov.uk/events and on our Chichester District Events and Markets Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ChichesterDistrictEventsAndMarkets.

Finally, for those who are fans of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ films, you may also be interested to know that our Novium Museum will be launching an exciting exhibition, their ‘The Magic of Middle earth,’ on 1 April. The exhibition is dedicated to the incredible fantasy worlds brought to life by J.R.R Tolkien and the generation of creators his writing has influenced. You can find out more at: www.thenovium.org/article/37260/The-Magic-of-Middle-earth

Best Wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council