Bring on the Chichester Festivities!
As the Chichester Festivities burst into life with the Goodwood Fireworks tomorrow (Friday, June 26) we ask regular Observer contributers for their views on this annual celebration in the city.
Phil Hewitt
The Observer's arts and entertainments editor
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm a total Stones anorak, don't think The Beatles could possibly be bettered and go weak at the knees at the thought of The Who.
The event I am most looking forward to just has to be the best of British tribute act night at the Real Ale And Jazz Festival (July 10).
After a few pints, leaning over slightly and with my glasses off, I might just be able to persuade myself I am looking at the real thing!
Your all-time Festivities highlight?
A few years ago Bob Geldof shuffled onto the makeshift stage in Chichester Cathedral and uttered the immortal words "I say, it's awfully strange to be in here tonight".
Or words to that effect. It was the stuff of Festivities magic, prelude to one of the best nights the Cathedral has ever enjoyed in its nine centuries of worship.
What would you like to see more of?
It's a case of more of the above. Nothing else has quite come close to Geldof in the Cathedral.
And that's something the Festivities surely needs to change if it is to shed perceptions of stuffiness.
You'd have to be pretty shallow not to be tempted by anything in the Festivities this year, but still the myth persists among some people that 'It isn't for me'.
It should be and it is. Geldof and much more modern bands would be the perfect complement everything else the Festivities does.
Johnny Morgan
Freelance journalist and copywriter, Chichester
Most looking forward to?
I think the talks by Gavin Esler (St John's Chapel, June 28) and Chris Patten (The Venue, July 2) will be very interesting.
I've always found stories of politics and other current affairs told by those actually at the coalface fascinating.
I'm also looking forward to the Human League. One of the most underrated bands of the 80s.
All-time highlight?
This would have to be a balmy summer's evening a few years back spent on the Trundle enjoying the music and fireworks at Goodwood racecourse.
Armed with a good picnic and plenty of family and friends, it was a great evening, topped off by incredible pyrotechnics and a moonlit saunter home.
What would you like to see more of?
I think the Festivities could do with making more of an effort to appeal to the 'yoof'.
As ever, the organisers have attracted a host of excellent guests but I can't help thinking that there isn't much to excite the under 25s. It seems very classical this year.
Young people are the city's lifeblood and without stimulus, they'll take their vivacity and skills elsewhere.
Jack Garwood
Motivational author and speaker, Chichester
Most looking forward too?
The Festivities offer tastes to suit any palate.
This year my eye has been enticed by some of the lower-profile events, particularly the walks that uncover voices from our city's long and rich past. Likewise a talk on William Hayley, the local patron of William Blake, intrigues.
Yet the essence of life is in its contrasts. At last the Jive Aces are taking the limelight in the city.
These lads have unfathomable energy, prodigious musical skills, magnetic stage presence and a beat that will get you jigging in your seat even if you don't dance.
All-time highlight?
In 2007 we chanced upon Tony O'Malley at the Festival of Speed. Last year this talented R&B keyboard player and singer, together with his band, easily filled the Old Kitchen.
Unfortunately the sound was too much for mere sedentary appreciation and cutting a rug in such venerable surroundings was magical.
It seems we broke health and safety requirements but the human soul is an indomitable tyke when the spirit of life is beating fast and free.
What would you like to see more of?
Tony, and opportunities to dance. More street entertainers - where have all the buskers gone?
A fringe with zany performers and perplexed audiences. Arundel abdicated this crown in 2007; Chichester could wear it with pride and panache.
The city has a past and heritage that many must envy. Add to this contemporary vivacity and colour and the melding of old and modern would be magnetic.
Are we brave enough?
Carol Godsmark
Food critic and writer, Chichester
Most looking forward to?
As ever, St John's Chapel gets my vote for the most interesting cross-section of events, the small space a much more intimate, atmospheric one.
Plastikis Kareles (June 30), the Greek band who play rebetika, a kind of Greek blues/Portuguese fado type of music, is at the top of my chapel list.
Organisers Amanda Sharpe and Paul Rogerson always excelling themselves in finding more unusual music to add to the mix.
Vince Cable, at the Venue on July 5, is another big draw, politics never as fascinating as they are today, his take on its many challenging facets sure to grip the audience.
All-time highlight?
Martha, Eve and Friends - blues and soul singers and musicians extraordinaire - made the Festivities for me last year with their unique style of singing at St John's Chapel, their songs moving me to tears.
What would you like to see more of?
The Chichester Pro Camerata is a terrific addition to the area and should find a place in the programme in the future.
Any food-related talks too would be welcomed as in the past, Food has never been more key to discuss as we lose track as a nation how food is grown, what mass-production of food has led to and the importance of cooking from scratch for our health's sake.
Stefan van Raay
Director, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
Most looking forward to?
I am particularly looking forward to Haydn's The Creation performed by Canticum.
They are a wonderful choir and I have really good memories of them performing the music which had been commissioned by Walter Hussey for a special concert in aid of the Pallant House Gallery appeal a few years ago.
All-time highlight?
I have always enjoyed the Harmonic Convergence as it involves young people from all over the area – and is a truly inclusive event for everybody. And, of course I would say that a returning highlight is always our programme of summer exhibitions which coincide with the Festivities. This year it is The Scottish Colourists from The Fleming Collection which promises to be much loved.
What would you like to see more of?
Although there is a already a lot of music from other parts of the world, I would like to see more music from outside of Western Europe particularly Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Ellen Cheshire
Head of Communications, West Dean, Chichester
Most looking forward to?
With the promise of a lovely hot summer this year, I can't wait to see the New Theatre Production transform the Edwardian pergola here at West Dean into a theatre for their productions of Shakespeare's delightful Much Ado About Nothing and Richard Harris's farce Outside Edge.
The performances are playing on alternate nights from June 29 to July 11.
Fingers crossed for a rain- free fortnight.
All-time highlight?
The Soweto Gospel Choir who performed at Chichester Cathedral in 2007 were sensational.
Their energy, passion, humour and strong voices and harmonies made it an uplifting and heartfelt evening.
What would you like to see more of?
I'd like to see more lower-cost quirky talks and events, where people passionate about their subject can make it come alive for others.
John Mason at the South Downs Planetarium is great at this.
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 29 May 2012
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