Elmer Day at The Novium Museum
Join us at The Novium Museum on Saturday 23 May 2026 for Elmer Day – a colourful celebration of one of the best-loved storybook characters of the last 40 years.
Elmer Day is also a chance to come together to celebrate the themes at the heart of all 30 Elmer books created by David McKee: friendship, kindness and inclusivity.
With the annual Chichester Pride event taking place in the city the same day, Elmer Day feels like a fitting extra celebration of being yourself. In fact, The Guardian described Elmer as an LGBTQ+ hero in 2014.
Here’s what’s happening at The Novium Museum on Elmer Day 2026:
Pre-Pride drop-in, 9.30am – 10.30am
Celebrate Elmer as a LGBTQ+ icon at The Novium Museum before heading off to enjoy Chichester Pride (you’ll need to book tickets for Pride separately, via the Chichester Pride website).
We’re hosting a special pre-Pride parade drop-in event for families, with face painting (£3 per child). There’s no need to book in advance for this event.
Elmer storytelling sessions, 10am, 11am and 12pm
Enjoy a classic Elmer story in this storytelling session with Chichester Library.
Entry to the storytelling session of your choice is included in the price of admission to the Elmer and Friends exhibition.
Book Elmer Day exhibition tickets
Make your own Elmer puppet, 10.15am and 11.15am
Get creative at these family-friendly workshops to make your own Elmer puppet. Experiment with different materials, colours and patterns to create a puppet that’s as bold and unique as Elmer.
£3 per child, £1 per accompanying adult (advance booking essential). Spaces are limited for these workshops, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
Book tickets for Elmer Day craft workshops
Bring Elmer to life
Don’t forget to scan the QR codes around The Novium Museum on Elmer Day to take fun photos and selfies with Elmer on a fun augmented reality experience.
