Christmas magic is 'still coming to Chichester'

Christmas is not cancelled in Chichester, the Business Improvement District (BID) has said.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Non-essential businesses will have to close from Thursday (November 5) after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a second national lockdown at the weekend, as Covid-19 cases continue to rise at a concerning rate.

The lockdown will take place in England from November 5 until December 2 and people are being asked to stay at home unless for specific purposes – such as childcare, exercise, buying food, or if you cannot work from home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Johnson admitted during a press conference on Saturday evening that Christmas in the country will be 'very different this year'.

Chichester Christmas Lights 2019. Photo: Kate Shemilt ks190640-2Chichester Christmas Lights 2019. Photo: Kate Shemilt ks190640-2
Chichester Christmas Lights 2019. Photo: Kate Shemilt ks190640-2

Chichester BID acknowledged that the latest restrictions have forced many plans to be cancelled but said it is 'working hard' to ensure that shoppers, residents and businesses 'can still enjoy a wonderful local Christmas experience'.

A spokesperson said: "Christmas magic is still coming to Chichester with a programme of festive events and experiences organised by Chichester Business Improvement District (BID) despite a second national lockdown this month.

"In response to the challenges the high street is continuing to face this year, Chichester BID has launched a new campaign encouraging everyone to take a pledge to support local at a time when it is more important than ever.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Many businesses are once again being forced to close due to the second lockdown but people can still support them online and use services such as click and collect, delivery and takeaway options."

There are plans to have a dedicated late-night shopping event on Thursday, December 3, to provide a 'festive shopping experience'There are plans to have a dedicated late-night shopping event on Thursday, December 3, to provide a 'festive shopping experience'
There are plans to have a dedicated late-night shopping event on Thursday, December 3, to provide a 'festive shopping experience'

Jeanette Hockley, operations manager at Chichester BID, urged all residents to 'take a pledge' to support local 'as much as possible' this Christmas.

"To help, we are relaunching our business directory to make it as easy as possible to find local shops and services online whilst there is a lockdown," she said.

"Another way to support your high street is to order a Chichester Gift Card, an ideal present, the gift card can be redeemed at over 140 of our local businesses.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The BID confirmed that the 'spectacular Christmas light displays' will be back again this year and will be switched on 'in phases' from mid-November.

Chichester BID urged all residents to 'take a pledge' to support local 'as much as possible' this Christmas.Chichester BID urged all residents to 'take a pledge' to support local 'as much as possible' this Christmas.
Chichester BID urged all residents to 'take a pledge' to support local 'as much as possible' this Christmas.

There are also plans to have a dedicated late-night shopping event on Thursday, December 3, to provide a 'festive shopping experience'.

'Drawing on the success' of the previous nutcracker and elf trails, a free, fairy tale themed hunt will take place across the city centre this year, with families invited to take part to find 12 traditional fairy tale books and guess the stories.

On offer to winners of the competition are two £150 Chichester gift cards and a Birdham Bear Christmas Book by local author Lynne Healy. The trail will start on Saturday, December 5, and can be found on the LoyalFree App, on the Chichester BID website or can be picked up in the city centre.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Hockley added: "Sadly the pandemic has forced many events to be scaled back or cancelled altogether.

"However, once lockdown restrictions are eased, we are determined to ensure visitors and shoppers can still get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the fantastic shops we have here as well as the festive customer experience many of our retailers are offering.”

The annual Christmas Window Competition will also take place again this year and visitors can help judge the People's Choice Award via social media using the hashtag #ChiBidXmas or by using the LoyalFree App from December 5.

To discover all the offers, trails and events taking place, download the LoyalFree App. The BID said the free app has been designed to help visitors and residents navigate Chichester’s shopping areas and points of interest, and includes a Fairy Tale Trail, Christmas Window Trail and Late Night Shopping Trail.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.