We are delighted to announce that this year’s Light Up Chichester local heroes are Wendy Whelan, a volunteer marshall for the city’s Junior Parkrun, and seven-year-old Samuel “SuperSam” Bezants whose remarkable courage and positivity have inspired the local community.
Wendy and Samuel will have the honour of switching on Chichester’s Christmas lights on Saturday 22 November at 5pm, marking the official start of Chichester’s festive season.
Wendy, age 77, is a familiar and much-admired face at Priory Park every Sunday morning, where she volunteers at the free weekly Junior Parkrun for children aged 4 – 14. Rain or shine, Wendy can be found at her post from 8.15am, wearing her high-vis vest, welcoming families, keeping the youngsters safe, and encouraging them as they run or walk their 2k route around the park.
Wendy was nominated by her friend Barbara Brunsdon, who said: “Wendy is always there, cheerful and encouraging, helping to ensure Junior Parkrun happens every week. She’s a real role model and a true local hero.”
On hearing the news, Wendy said: “It’s fantastic to have been nominated! I’m so excited to help switch on Chichester’s Christmas lights this year and I can’t wait to spot lots of the young runners I cheer on every Sunday at Parkrun.”
Joining Wendy on stage will be seven-year-old Samuel Bezants, affectionately known as “SuperSam”. Described by his grandmother as “the bravest, most incredible human,” Samuel has spent the last three years undergoing intensive treatment for neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. Despite missing much of normal school life, Samuel faces every challenge with resilience and rarely complains, supported by his loving family – parents Tom and Heather, and brothers Finley and George.
On nominating her grandson, Jo Bezants said: “He truly is an inspiration to everyone who meets him. His bravery, humour and strength shine through even on the hardest days. We are all so proud of him.”
This year’s Light Up Chichester competition received more than 35 nominations for individuals who have made a positive impact in the community. The winners were chosen by a judging panel made up of The Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Sean McHale, Chair of Chichester BID, Helen Marshall, CEO of Chichester BID, Natasha McLeod and Nicola Brown from Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, who are supporting this year’s Christmas in Chichester festivities.
Helen Marshall, Chair of Chichester BID, said: “Each year, the local hero competition reveals the incredible kindness, courage and community spirit that makes Chichester such a special place. Wendy and Samuel truly embody those values, and we’re thrilled to have them light up the city this Christmas.”
Light Up Chichester Saturday 22 November
The countdown to Christmas begins on Saturday 22 November with a full day of festive fun from 10am, culminating in the official Christmas Lights Switch-On at 5pm outside the Assembly Rooms on North Street.
Families can enjoy a packed schedule of performances throughout the day, featuring local choirs, carol singers, dance groups, street entertainment and roaming stilt walkers. A pop-up festive food & drink market on East Street (10am–6pm) will offer sizzling street food, indulgent treats and warming winter drinks – the perfect way to refuel while exploring the city.
After the big switch-on, venues across Chichester will host live music and entertainment as part of the Light Up Chichester After Party.
Let it Glow: Chichester’s Magical Winter Illumination
From 8 – 21 December, Let It Glow invites everyone to step into a world of light and colour as Chichester Cathedral’s historic Bell Tower is transformed in Let It Glow: Chichester’s Magical Winter Illumination.
Created by MakeAmplify, this free, interactive experience invites visitors of all ages to ‘paint with light’, projecting their creations onto the walls of the Bell Tower before exploring glowing installations across the Cathedral Green.
Presented by Chichester BID, Chichester City Council and Chichester District Council, the project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Festive Family Day – Saturday 13 December
Chichester’s Festive Family Day returns with city-wide seasonal spectacles, storytelling and crafting activities for all ages. V2 Radio will broadcast live from the city centre, filling the streets with festive tunes and cheer.
Christmas Markets & Priory Park Festivities
Chichester District Council’s Christmas Market will fill East and North Streets on 6–7 and 13–14
December, offering unique gifts and delicious local produce. Meanwhile, Priory Park will host a
special line-up of family-friendly Christmas events, including a mini pantomime, silent discos, arts
and crafts, and storytelling sessions.
Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID, said: “Christmas in Chichester is always special, and this year promises to be truly magical. From the sparkle of our city lights to the interactive glow of the Cathedral illuminations, we’re creating moments that bring joy to residents, visitors and families alike.”
Look out for the Christmas in Chichester brochure, delivered to over 17,000 local residents, head to our Christmas in Chichester Online Hub for full details, event listings, and festive inspiration.