As Chichester prepares to bloom this June, the floral celebrations won’t stop at the shopfronts.
Alongside the Chichester in Bloom trail, businesses across the city are embracing the season with floral-inspired food, creative workshops, exhibitions and special events – offering even more ways to enjoy the city during Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely lunch, a creative day out with friends, or a family visit filled with discovery, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Chichester in Bloom.
A sweet seasonal treat at The Ivy Chichester
Step into a botanical escape at The Ivy Chichester and enjoy a taste of the season with its limited-edition Flower Show dessert, available from 3 – 6 June.
Beautifully crafted to celebrate the Festival of Flowers, this elegant seasonal creation is designed to delight both the eyes and the palate – the perfect indulgence as part of a relaxed lunch, afternoon treat or evening dining experience.
Flowers, fizz and creativity at Brasserie Blanc
Why not add a little sparkle to your Festival visit?
At Brasserie Blanc Chichester, Festival ticketholders can enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco while dining before or after their visit to the Cathedral, when ordering two courses including a main from the à la carte or specials menu.
The celebrations continue with a flower painting workshop on Friday 5 June, offering a chance to get creative and embrace the floral spirit of the week in a relaxed setting.
A lovely way to turn your Festival outing into a leisurely lunch, creative afternoon or elegant evening. Booking recommended for dining. Terms and conditions apply.
A floral warm-up at Fernleigh
Start the celebrations early with a beautifully creative experience at Fernleigh. On Sunday 31 May, 10:30am to 1pm, Fernleigh will host its Flower Brush & Brunch event – a relaxed floral-inspired painting workshop with a delicious brunch served alongside – perfect for catching up with friends or trying something new.
Visitors can also enjoy floral cupcakes, a specially created flower-themed cocktail, and explore the stylish Floral Edit exhibition, which continues until 21 June.
A floral jewellery launch at Gold Arts
For something truly special, Gold Arts Chichester is unveiling an exclusive new bespoke jewellery collection inspired by the wildflowers of the Bishop’s Palace Garden.
Launching on Saturday 6 June at 11am, The Anthea Collection coincides with Chichester Cathedral’s Festival of Flowers, with visitors invited to enjoy a glass of bubbles and canapés while previewing this elegant new collection in-store.
A city full of floral inspiration
Chichester in Bloom is about celebrating creativity in all its forms, and there will be plenty of reasons to linger longer in the city centre.
Alongside the trail itself, visitors can explore independent shops, galleries, cafés and cultural spaces all adding their own floral flourishes to the week – creating a city-wide atmosphere of colour, creativity and seasonal celebration.
Don’t miss: The Walk of the Dandelion
On Saturday 6 June, the floral celebrations take to the streets as Daniel, an 8ft ethereal puppet, begins The Walk of the Dandelion from the Cathedral Green.
Visitors are invited to join him as he roams through the city along the Chichester in Bloom trail, where free family-friendly activities and creative experiences will mark the start of Great Big Green Week.
A magical moment for families – and a wonderful way to experience the city in bloom. Find out more here.
Make a day of it
From floral desserts and botanical cocktails to creative workshops, inspiring exhibitions and unforgettable city moments, Chichester in Bloom offers the perfect excuse to spend longer exploring everything the city has to offer.
Keep the floral inspiration going
The celebrations don’t end when the Festival week draws to a close.
From 9–21 June, Oxmarket Contemporary will host Say It With Flowers, an exhibition inspired by this year’s Festival of Flowers theme, Nature’s Embrace.
Showcasing floral and nature-inspired work by local artists across painting, pottery, glass, jewellery and contemporary craft, it offers a wonderful opportunity to continue enjoying Chichester’s creative floral response long after the final blooms have faded.
Whether you’re visiting the Festival of Flowers, meeting friends for lunch, or simply looking for a fresh reason to enjoy the city centre, this is a beautiful week to discover Chichester in full bloom.
