Chichester Family Arts Network

Chichester Festival Theatre’s Winter Season 24/25 is filled with exciting winter treats for all the family . From free pop-up family fun and festive treats to The Gruffalo and Dinosaur World Live, there’s plenty to keep your little ones entertained! See the 'Family What's on' page for all the info!

https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/category/families

Looking for some free, creative family fun? Head on over to Pallant House Gallery for their September Open Day next Saturday 14th. You can take part in drop-in workshops suitable for all the family, join a tour and get to see all exhibitions absolutely free! Find out more below.

Looking for a fun and inspiring way to spend your bank holiday weekend? Head on down to Pallant House Gallery where you can enjoy £5 adult entry when visiting with a child.

Take part in a workshop, enjoy family friendly exhibitions and treat yourself at Pallant Cafe where kids can enjoy a free ice cream scoop with every kids meal when purchased with an adult main.

Find out more:

Bank Holiday Monday Join us on 26 August for a day of family fun in Chichester.

Pallant House Gallery are hosting loads of activities and workshops for kids this summer. Visit the Gallery and get creative 🎨

This Sunday at Chichester Festival Theatre join us for a Knees-Up in the park - a brand new event for Festival 2024 - and a day of pure excitement for all ages with lots of free activities.

Join us this Sunday (11 August) for local live music and market stalls plus delicious street food. It's going to be super fun! Take a look at the Knees-Up page, from the link below. See you there!

https://www.cft.org.uk/knees-up

Tickets for tomorrow's performance of Open Air Theatre at Chichester Cathedral | The Merry Wives of Windsor with The Pantaloons are on sale until 7.15pm tonight - what better way to spend a warm Summer's evening (at last!) ☀️🎭

Book now: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/chichester/chichester-cathedral/open-air-theatre-at-chichester-cathedral-the-merry-wives-of-windsor/e-ygxmxq?fbclid=IwY2xjawEVt-JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUHn4sTECMDwrE6m-3xym0Wubmh2L1nR8-IY9i6hv0XLmcQMSUKJ19d9dw_aem_211WfQyzOetdbiMlqXuq6g

Have you booked your tickets for Chichester Cathedral's open air theatre?🎭

Don't miss The Merry Wives of Windsor on Sunday 31st July and The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle on Sunday 4th August - perfect for all the family!

☀️This summer, the District will transform into a hub of excitement and creativity as we unveil a spectacular line-up of family-friendly activities.

🎭🎨 From interactive theatre performances to sunny canal cruises, historic explorations to creative art adventures, each venue will offer a unique opportunity to explore the city and be a part of the array of activities designed to inspire, educate and entertain families.

Find out more: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/summer-fun-for-everyone-exciting-family-activities-in-chichester-4688654

Chichester Cathedral
Pallant House Gallery
The Novium Museum
Chichester Festival Theatre
Chichester Canal
Graylingwell Chapel

This Summer at Chichester Festival Theatre there's a whole heap of family fun to choose from.

📖 Storytime Saturdays are coming back! Bring your little ones for an exciting morning exploring stories.

🦉 Our new, very special Owl will be arriving soon as part of the Big Hoot Art Trail. Owliver has been named with our spectacular summer musical in mind, Oliver!, which opens from 8 July.

🎸 CFT summer sessions start from 12 July. Soak up the good vibes whether your here to see a show, or not. Enjoy free live music from the comfort of a deckchair on the park - see you there.

💃 Knees-up on the Park is coming! An exciting day of dance, live music, crafts and comedy for all the family. Take a look on our website and get stuck in!

Discover more at

Families | Chichester Festival Theatre At Chichester Festival Theatre, we invite families to unwind in our free family friendly spaces, and go on adventures with shows.

Don't miss Open Air Theatre for all the family at Chichester Cathedral this summer!🎭

🦁 Did you know our Cathedral is home to a menagerie of animals within its ancient walls? From the peaceful lion and dog adorning the Arundel Tomb to the colourful creatures hidden within the vibrant Piper Tapestry, each holds its own tale.

✨ Join us on Sunday 4th August as we see some of these creatures brought to life in a delightful musical performance of 'The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle' in Paradise.

🌟 Don't miss out on this enchanting family event! Secure your tickets now before they're gone: https://loom.ly/3UoiYv4

📷 Illyria

There's loads of arty fun happening this half term at Pallant House Gallery.

Arts and Crafts Drop-in, Saturday 25 May (Free)

Special Offer for Families this Bank Holiday Monday (27 May)
£5 admission for adults accompanying children (Under 18s go free). Book online with code M4Y2024BH.

Meet an Artwork: 11am, Monday 27 May (Free)
Delve into these artists’ colourful worlds and explore what sparks their creativity.

Plates Full of Food [7+), 2-4pm, Tuesday 28 May
Create artwork that’s almost good enough to eat!

The Art of Everyday Objects [7+), 2 - 4pm, Thursday 30 May
Join artist Diane Dunning for a fun kids’ collage workshop inspired by the Shape of Things: Still Life in Britain.

For more details and to book your tickets: https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/2024/05?type=children

Family fun coming up at Chichester Festival Theatre!

💃Got little ones and stuck for something to do on a Wednesday? Check out CFT’s mini-makers and shakers classes where you can boogie with baby, inspire little artists or make some moves on the dance floor!

🖍Or pop into CFT’s free Pop-Up Family Fun spaces to draw, play and dress up whilst the grown-ups have a cup of tea and slice of cake from the Café on the Park (open 9am-5pm Monday – Saturday).

🎨This May half term, CFT faves The Creation Station Ltd return with more creative crafts for ages 2-11! Their award-winning classes are designed to nurture and inspire creative skills and spark curiosity. Join in on Tue 28 May; tickets are just £8 per child.

🦉And to celebrate Green Week, don’t miss Story Craft Theatre This Tree Belongs to Me on 15 June. It’s perfect for ages 3+ and is packed full of enchanting puppetry, colourful characters, games, music and lots of interactive fun. With integrated Makaton sign language throughout it explores the value of inclusivity and importance of nature in our surroundings.

Discover all these and more at cft.org.uk/families

Chichester Roman Week returns this May half term (27th May - 1st June) with a diverse range of activities and events for all ages, celebrating the rich Roman heritage of Chichester and beyond. Each day promises to bring the fascinating world of the Romans to life!

This year's programme includes:

⚔️ Romans at the Museum – a thrilling spectacle of re-enactment taking place inside The Novium Museum!
📖 Interactive storytelling - lift history off the page and creatively explore what life was like for Romans and Celts.
🎨 ‘Mosaic Masterpieces’ craft workshop - use air drying clay to make your own colourful mosaic
🚶 Guided family walk of Roman Chichester - walk back in time through Roman Chichester, aimed at a family audience.
🐎 Make your own Roman Chariot - build, colour and decorate your own mini wooden chariot!

… and so much more!

For full details on all Chichester Roman Week events, and to book, visit: www.thenovium.org/romanweek

👋 First time visiting Chichester this ?

With their doors open throughout the week, you can embark on a journey spanning 949 years of history, art and architecture.

Check out some of the things you can see and do.👇
Plan your visit: https://loom.ly/JHmWlak

Take a trip to Pallant House Gallery today for a free drop-in badge making workshop. Suitable for all the family, you can create your own designs inspired by the work of John Craxton. Simply pop into their Studio, just past the reception desk and get started!

Don't forget under 18s enjoy free admission to the Gallery and the Ground Floor is free entry to all.

As the Easter holidays approach, we've selected some of the best events for children over the two weeks - just check out the events tab. From bricks to boat trips and toys to trails, we hope you'll find something egg-citing!

If you take part in any of these activities, we'd love you to share your experiences with us by using

Looking for fantastic family fun in Chichester this February half-term?

Join us all for a week packed with creative events and activities designed especially for families. From fun workshops to interactive performances, there's something for everyone. 🎨🎭Make sure to share this post with your friends ❤️

Chichester Canal
Free Family Fun Day
'Create It, Make It' all about canal creatures
Monday 12th February, 10 - 3 pm
In the Canal Heritage Centre
Decorate masks, frogs, birds, fish or pebbles. Make peg bats or butterflies.
Design animal finger puppets. Play the fishing game.

If you wish, come in your favourite animal fancy dress!

Chichester Cathedral
Colourful Critters | Exploring the Animals of the Cathedral Tapestries
Saturday 10th February, 11am - 1pm
Join us for a creative workshop designed for children and families, finding the animals that are hidden within the Cathedral's tapestries.
This is a free event but please book in advance to secure your spot: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/chichester-cathedral/drop-in-john-craxton-family-workshop/2024-02-10/11:00/t-xmjryrk

Chichester Festival Theatre
Creation Station
Monday 12 February, 10am & 11am sessions
More fun-filled craft sessions are coming! Creation Station Chichester return to CFT with their award-winning classes designed to nurture and inspire creative skills and spark curiosity.
Ages 2 – 11
Tickets £7 per child; parents must stay with their children

Fantastically Great Women
14 – 18 Feb
This ‘pop-fuelled, upbeat’ hit musical, comes to chichester for February half term.
Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum.
Ages 7+
Tickets from £10 - £26, half price for under 16s on top three prices (excludes Wednesday and Saturday matinee)

We're Going on a Bear Hunt
15 - 18 February
See the smash-hit production of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at CFT, as it returns vividly and noisily in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation set to Benji Bower’s versatile lively score.
Ages 3+
Tickets £10 - £17, half price for under 16s on top two prices.

Family Fun
Thursdays, 10am – 12pm & Saturdays 9am – 12pm
A weekly expansion of CFT’s family friendly spaces which invite you to bring your pre-schoolers and catch up with some parent pals. Next to the welcoming Café on the Park, children can discover toys, colouring-in and chalkboards, fancy dress and books in our nooks, while grown-ups can indulge in delicious coffees and cakes - healthy snacks and drinks are available for little ones.
Ages 0 – 5
FREE

Book and find out more: https://www.cft.org.uk/whats-on/category/families

The Novium Museum
Celebrate our May The Toys Be With You exhibition with a week of toy-inspired activities!
Toy Detective Trail
10 - 17 February
An interactive toy tour around the museum! Collect the clues and receive a 'brick model' reward. £3 per trail

Traditional Toy Making Workshop
Thursday 15 February
Create a groovy kaleidoscope, a whirling spinning top and decorate a wooden yo-yo! £7 per child

Junior Jedi's
Saturday 17 February
A Star Wars themed craft session! Make a lightsaber, Yoda bookmark and themed headband! £8 per child

For more information and to book, visit: www.thenovium.org/whatson

Pallant House Gallery
Make handmade cards in our Valentine's Day workshop
Tuesday 13 February, 11am - 12pm & 2pm - 3pm
Learn about the eclectic collage of toys and items that is Peter Blake's 'Love' in our Meet the Artwork talk.
£3

Wednesday 14 February, 11.30am
Channel your inner travel writer in our Travel Zine Workshop. Kids can write, design and print their very own mini magazine.
Free

Thursday 15 February, 11am – 2pm
Explore our collections and exhibitions with a Ways of Looking bag. These backpacks are full of tools and activities kids can try out during their visit.
£25

Book your tickets https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/2024/02?type=children

Photograph by Chichester Cathedral and Barbara Crowe.

Enjoy a creative Christmas at Pallant House Gallery with their children's workshops.

They've got 2 festive activity sessions lined up for kids to enjoy.

Create a collage masterpiece on Thursday 21 December, 11am–2pm

Book your tickets: https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/childrens-workshop-collaging-your-holiday-snaps/

Or stop by for some last-minute crafts at their free drop-in session on Saturday 23 December, 11am–1pm

Hashtags:

Capture your memories in your own holiday collage masterpiece!

Thursday, 21 December, 11am – 2pm, [Tickets £25]

Join us for an immersive workshop where your cherished holiday photographs will take centre stage as a Christmas gift.

Children will begin the workshop with a journey up to the John Craxton: A Modern Odyssey exhibition armed with a sketchbook. Here, they will get to explore the intricate dance of light and shadow that Craxton used in his works.

At the end of the workshop, every artwork will be lovingly wrapped, ready to be shared as a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. What better way to celebrate the festive period than through an artwork that captures your precious memories?

Hashtags:

Crafty Thursdays are back at The Graylingwell Chapel! Come and join our volunteers in the Chapel Learning Room Dec 21st & 28th where you can enjoy some FREE crafty festive fun 9am-2pm.

This is a drop-in craft room that is open all day and is completely free - there is no need to book!

Graylingwell Chapel

Don’t miss a special storytelling event to hear the story of Bertie the Cathedral Cat at Chichester Cathedral tomorrow at 10.00am, followed by decorating your own Bertie Christmas decoration and taking part in their Christmas Trail!🐱🎄

🎁 We're unwrapping events for families in Chichester this Advent and Christmas!

🎄 Engage in creative workshops, immerse yourself in captivating storytelling sessions and experience the enchantment of a magical Santa's Grotto – there's something for every family to enjoy!

Find out more: https://loom.ly/dZ581S0

📷- Chichester BID

Chichester Cathedral
Pallant House Gallery
The Novium Museum
Chichester Festival Theatre
Graylingwell Chapel
Chichester Canal

🎄 Kids can enjoy a creative Christmas at one of Pallant House Gallery's festive workshops. 🎨

Colourful Landscapes [Ages 7+ )
Tuesday 19 December, 11am–2pm
https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/childrens-workshop-colourful-landscapes-7/

Collaging Your Holiday Snaps [Ages 7+ )
Thursday 21 December, 11am–2pm
https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/childrens-workshop-collaging-your-holiday-snaps/

Free Drop-In Arts and Crafts Activity [Ages 5+)
Saturday 23, 11am–1am
https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/workshop-saturday-art-and-craft/

Saturday Art and Craft | Workshops Join us for FREE, creative workshops suitable for all the family inspired by our exhibitions | Kids workshops | Chichester