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| LOCATION |
Located on the south coast of England - see map - Chichester can trace its history back until at least Roman times when the town was known as Noviomagus. A cathedral was built some 900 years ago giving it city status and it is now the head administrative centre for West Sussex. About 100 km (60 miles) to the north lies the capital, London and about 145 km (90 miles) to the south is the north coast of the European mainland. |
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| POPULATION |
Population is around 28,000 and most of this is very conservative (spelt with either a big "C" or small "c"!). A large proportion of the population actually consists of young people, especially during term time when many students come into the town to attend the two colleges. Peculiarly, these are hardly catered for here as they are in other student towns such as Oxford, Bristol, Brighton etc. |
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| GENERAL |
Generally Chichester lags behind modern urban Britain by about ten years which itself stumbles awkwardly along behind the rest of Europe. Examples of this can be seen all around in the lack of amenities and facilities which are taken for granted in most other European towns and cities. The ruling powers here are scared witless of any sort of change without considering whether it may be for the better good of the population so as a consequence things only ever happen at a less-than-snail's pace. |
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| SOCIAL LIFE |
Social life is catered for by the many pubs and wine bars all of which have to adhere rigorously to the national bizarre opening hours. This results in a mass of people being thrown onto the streets at around 11pm with no where else to go. If you fancy a late night you need to make your own arrangements or go to one of our livelier neighbouring towns such as Brighton, Portsmouth or Southampton! (Check the "Gigs 'n' Clubs Guide" on the links page). |
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| CLUBS |
Clubs and late night establishments - the only permanent venue is "Thursdays" a couple of miles out of town which some people loath, others think OK. In the city itself there is officially nothing but see the "Gigs 'n' Clubs Guide" on the links page. |
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| FESTIVITIES |
Every July sees the Chichester festivities rumble into being. These usually involve three weeks or so of arts and entertainment catering in typical Chichester fashion for the safe, old age, middle class mainstream, positively avoiding anything of a contemporary nature. At some point during the proceedings there is a five day 'Real-Ale and Jazz' festival which nowadays has sadly become very sterile, taken over by "corporate hospitality" but still very popular. (For more information see the links page). |
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| THEATRE |
Another cultural attraction is the Festival Theatre. Shying away from anything more daring than a drawing room comedy but together with the relatively new Minerva theatre providing some kind of entertainment if only of a very safe and predictable nature. |
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| CINEMA |
One remaining spark in the city is the New Park Film Society cinema. The last chain cinema closed in the town many years ago (to be taken over by a well known grunge-food chain) but the NPFS continues despite threats of closure, showing a mixture of current releases as well as more interesting "art-house" films that you would be hard pressed to find outside of London, well worth checking out. |
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| AREA |
Nearby attractions include the sea, usually just about clean enough and warm enough for swimming in during July and August. Also the harbour with its many inlets and estuaries - great for wildlife, sailing, walking and just chilling. Historic Bosham where king Canute didn't turn the tide, Fishbourne where the Romans first landed and built a huge palace, open to the public, some of which is still being discovered. |
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| DOWNS |
The south downs are a short distance away and are excellent for exploring at any time of year on foot, horseback or mountain-bike. A major attraction here is the Weald and Downland museum - a collection of historic buildings from all over the south relocated and expertly restored. |
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| GOODWOOD |
World-famous Goodwood is nearby and the Duke of Richmond is slowly and controversially investing money and doing more for tourism in the area than the powers-that-be are ever likely to (that's no excuse for aristocracy however!). As well as the famous horse-race meetings that run from May through September there is the relatively new "Festival of Speed" in the grounds of Goodwood House and now there are road race meetings at the restored motor circuit despite fierce opposition from the local "nimby" population. |
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| CONCLUSION |
So in conclusion, if you like to look at old buildings or explore the countryside, end the day with a quiet beer and be tucked up in bed by midnight then Chichester could be the place for you! Party animals will be disappointed! |
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Page created by Peter
King
© Peter King 2002 text &
graphics
