Chichester's Summer Street Party and Cross Market & More to transform city centre with day of family fun

Published 14:52 on 17 Jun 2026

Get ready for an unforgettable day of entertainment and community spirit as the Chichester's Summer Street Party and the Cross Market & More arrive on Sunday 5 July. Taking place from 10am until 4pm in all four streets of Chichester city centre, the vibrant street party organised by Chichester District Council promises something for everyone, bringing together live performances, hands-on activities, and exciting attractions for all ages. The event will also feature a bustling artisan market, offering unique, handmade goods from independent makers, ideal for discovering one-of-a-kind gifts and treats.

 Visitors can enjoy a programme of live music throughout the day, showcasing talented local performers and offering the perfect summer soundtrack. Families are at the heart of the celebration, with an incredible lineup of activities designed to entertain and inspire younger visitors. Highlights include face painting, magic shows and the chance to meet adorable alpacas.

 For those seeking action and creativity, the event will boast a Nerf arena, interactive LEGO building area, and a wide range of family games to keep everyone entertained on the Cathedral Green. Traditional funfair favourites, including carousels, and live performances from Theatre UK, will add to the festive atmosphere.

The Chichester Business Improvement District (BID) will be delivering a vibrant fashion show, which will showcase local designers and retailers, adding a touch of style and flair to the day.

 Chichester District Council has been working closely with the Chichester BID and Rotary Novum Beacon to bring back this popular event to the city centre.

 Councillor Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Growth, Economic Development, Communication, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council, says: This is the sixth year that we have been running this event and were really happy to continue bringing fun and entertainment for all the family to the city centre! The event always attracts a great crowd, with visitors coming from across the district and further afield, and we know that its a firm fixture in many peoples diaries. 

Combining the two fantastic events means that we can offer a range of even more vibrant stalls and entertainment for families and visitors to experience, showcasing the amazing talent we have in our area from local artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs, singers, artists and more. 

This council-led event, with support from the BID and Rotary Novum Beacon, will give visitors the chance to enjoy all of the city centre — from unique market stands through to the city retailers, while enjoying a day of fun and frivolity!

As part of our events strategy, we are also keen to maximise the use of various local venues and spaces to explore the different experiences and events that could be offered in the district. The Summer Street Party makes use of all the city centre and Cathedral Green which we hope will boost the local economy and give people an amazing experience to enjoy.

People can find out more about the Summer Street Party and Cross Market & More by going to our online Whats On page: www.chichester.gov.uk/whatson,  and by following the Chichester District Events and Markets Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ChichesterDis... and Instagram:www.instagram.com/chidisevents...

For regular updates on events and activities across the district, sign up for the councils monthly email newsletter, initiatives+, at: www.chichester.gov.uk/newsaler...