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Saturday 31 October 2026 From 4pm
Council House to the Market Cross then to Priory Park
Join Chichester City Council for a special lantern parade through the heart of Chichester, celebrating 800 years of the City Council and the heritage and community spirit of our city.
The parade takes inspiration from a historic Chichester tradition, when the Mayor would walk the streets behind a globular lantern, now known as the Municipal Moon. Eight centuries on, we are inviting families and members of the community to come together, carry their own lanterns and create a memorable procession through the city.
Led by Petworth Town Band, the Mayor's Party and the lantern parade will leave the Council House on North Street at 4pm and make their way to the Market Cross. Here, the Mayor will deliver a special proclamation to mark the Council's 800th anniversary, followed by a blessing for the city by the Reverend Canon David Nason.
Following the short ceremony, the parade will continue along East Street to Priory Park, concluding at Priory Park at approximately 4.30pm.
Join the parade
Everyone is welcome to take part, whether or not you attended one of our lantern-making workshops. We still encourage everyone to create a lantern at home and join the celebration. A limited number of pre-made lanterns will be available from the Council House before the parade, so you can still pick one up and take part in the procession.
Please gather outside the Council House from 3.50pm, ready for the parade to leave at 4pm.
Lost child wristbands will be available from the Portico of the Council House from 3.30pm for anyone who would like one. Free face painting will also be available from 2pm to 4pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
Continue your Halloween celebrations
The Lantern Parade and Proclamation is expected to finish at around 4.30pm, giving plenty of time to continue your Halloween celebrations. Fenwicks Café in Priory Park will also be serving pizza and hot drinks until 5.30pm.
Visit our website for more details: https://chichestercity.gov.uk/october-half-term-activities-celebrate-800-years-of-chichester-city-council/
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Event venue
The Council House, North Street, Chichester, United Kingdom
Tickets
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