The Archbishop of Canterbury will be among the guests at a weekend of events ranging from the fun to the serious (October 3-5).

The weekend marks the 900th anniversary of the consecration of the cathedral, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Chichester covering the whole of Sussex.

It will also celebrate the life of Chichester's inspirational war-time bishop George Bell who died 50 years ago this year (1883-1958).

Ruth Poyner, cathedral visitors officer, said: "The Archbishop will be participating throughout the whole weekend.

"He is the celebrant at a service on the Friday evening, cake-cutting on the Saturday – followed by a complete change of tone as he takes a question-and-answer session with the public – and he will preach finally on the Sunday.

"Many other dignitaries will be coming to the cathedral over the weekend, including several of the cathedral's European partners and local figures too, such as the lord lieutenants and high sheriffs of West and East Sussex, and the mayors of Chichester and Brighton and Hove.

"The weekend will also include a celebratory 900th birthday party for all the family, including art, craft, puppets, dance, workshops, games, a treasure hunt and a birthday cake."

On a more serious note, the weekend will see the Archbishop dedicate George Bell House, a newly-restored conference and spirituality centre within the Cathedral Close.

Bell is perhaps most famously remembered for championing the people of Germany suffering under the Third Reich.

He befriended refugees from Germany, issued repeated warnings about the dangers of Nazism, and pleaded – controversially – for the sparing of German cities and their civilian populations during the saturation bombings in the last years of the war.

Bell also befriended Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German pastor and theologian, who was involved in the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler in 1944.

Bonhoeffer was eventually hanged, and it was to Bell he sent his last recorded greeting: "Tell him that for me this is the end, the beginning of life..."

The Very Rev Nicholas Frayling, Dean of Chichester, said: "One great anniversary would be reason to celebrate but two add up to something really special.

"Nine hundred years of worship and service in Chichester's wonderful cathedral, and an opportunity to celebrate the life and achievements of Bishop George Bell will make for a weekend to remember."

All are welcome and there is no charge for any of the events over the weekend.

* The concluding lecture in the series on Bishop Bell and his Legacy is on Tuesday: Bell – The Man, by the Right Revd Peter Walker, former Bishop of Ely at 6.30pm in the Cathedral Nave.

The lecture follows choral evensong at 5.30pm. Entry is free and all are welcome. Mr Walker knew Bell and the lecture will reflect on him personally.