The clocks have sprung forward, and finally we can look forward to longer days and warmer weather. Here in Chichester, we are getting excited about the host of fabulous events and activities visitors and locals can experience over the Easter holidays including egg hunts, trails, anniversaries, parades, boat trips and more.
Eggstraordinary Easter Egg Trail, 11 – 22 April
The perfect way to explore the beautiful cathedral city of Chichester, take part in our free city-wide Easter Egg Trail. Simply locate 10 Easter eggs hidden in shop windows throughout the city centre and you will be entered into a draw with the chance to win an amazing bumper prize featuring a Katie Loxton gift bag, Jigsaw gift card and personal styling session, Bottle of Prosecco from The Fountain, a family ticket to see Brick Wonders at The Novium Museum, a Montezuma’s chocolate egg, gifts from The Entertainer, Paperchase and Whirligig, a Modern Classic men’s haircut, a £50 Dartagnan Menswear gift voucher and chocolate hamper from us.
To take part simply download the free LoyalFree App, find the hidden eggs and scan each QR code using the app. Or you can download a paper trail form here to be printed and completed. Please return the form to the Chichester BID office or email to [email protected] by the 22nd April. Click here for full prize details and terms and conditions.
Easter Arts & Culture
Chichester’s acclaimed arts, history and culture institutions are putting on a wonderful range of family fun this Easter:
The Chichester Festival Theatre has created a special Easter Audio Trail with a free downloadable map suggesting some special spots in Oaklands Park to visit. Their family friendly foyer space at the Café in the Park, will also be open on certain days during the holidays with plenty of books, toys and dressing up to keep kids of all ages entertained! On 11 April the theatre is hosting some Easter-themed craft sessions in partnership with Creation Station when children can create paper cup cress heads and chicks in a nest (booking essential).
Between 8 and 16 April, you can hunt for hidden eggs around the The Novium Museum and claim an Easter treat. The cost is £2 per child and booking is advised for this drop-in activity. Please note the Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Click here to book now via Chichester Box Office
The New Park Cinema’s Family Cinema screenings include Rabbit Monster from 11 – 14 April and Coppelia from 20 – 21 April. The cinema will also be screening Oscar award winning Power of the Dog from 8 April.
Pallant House Gallery is hosting a range of activities over the Easter holidays including Workshops for children and young people and a FREE Open Weekend on 23 and 24 April packed with creative activities for all age groups. From making your own mini art gallery to taking a tour of the local street art. Click here to find out more.
All are welcome to attend Chichester Cathedral’s Holy Week and Easter services in-person or online. There is no need to book for these services. Family friendly services take place every Sunday at 9.30am and last approximately 35 minutes. Click here to find out more.
2022 marks the 200th Anniversary of the Chichester Canal. On Saturday 9th April, the Chichester Canal Trust is celebrating with a special event taking place at the Canal Basin. Starting at 11am with a gunfire salute from the Fort Cumberland Guard, there will be live music and entertainment, stalls, food, children’s activities and some wonderful water-based displays including the 1950’s vintage tugs, canoe club and model boats. The day will culminate in a flotilla along the canal arriving at the canal basin at 3pm.
The Canal Trust is also running special Easter Boat Trips from 13 – 18 April with activities to entertain and to get you into the Easter spirit. Refreshments will be given to all, and an Easter treat for children too. The trips run 3 times daily at 10:30, 12:45 and 15:15 and booking is essential.
Saturday 23 April marks 100 years of the St. George’s Day Service held at Chichester Cathedral. To commemorate this meaningful milestone with dignity, solemnity and ceremony, The Regimental Association has arranged a parade from Priory Park to the St. George’s Day Service led by the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment Band. The St George’s Day Parade will commence at 11am from Priory Park and march via Guildhall Street and North Street to the Assembly Rooms. Read more here.
Photo credit: J_Ellen_29