200th anniversary celebrations at canal
The Chichester Ship Canal turns 200 years old on April 9 and the milestone will be celebrated with a range of entertaining and cultural events.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Chichester Ship Canal Trust – the volunteer-led, self-funded, charity behind the canal – is planning a season of anniversary events, which will help people discover more about the unique heritage and different ways to explore the canal.
Events will feature a talk by author and historian Alan Green at the West Sussex County Record Office; a yearlong curated exhibition at The Novium; hosted boat trips along the canal; a photography competition; a pub quiz; the installation of a new sign to mark the location of the famous view painted by JMW Turner; familyfriendly activities; a guided walk with the Friends of the Old Ford to Hunston Canal, and an art partnership with a contemporary art group ARTEL.
Catherine Cannon, Chichester Canal trustee, said: “Recognising the canal’s position at the heart of the cultural, leisure and heritage sector in Chichester city, the trust is really pleased to be a host venue for Chichester District Council’s ‘Culture Spark’ opening event, and a partner host for Chichester University and the Fringe performers through the summer.”
One date not to be missed is the flagship 200th Anniversary Celebration Event on April 9 which will feature live music and entertainment.
Alison Golt, 200th Project Team, said: “We’re inviting the community to the Basin, where the event will begin at 11am with short speeches followed by a gunfire salute from the Fort Cumberland Guard. The Trust is hosting a day of live music, stalls, food, entertainment, children’s activities, water-based displays including the 1950s vintage tugs, canoe club and model boats, and land-based exhibitions which will feature knitted bunting, volunteer stories and our heritage centre display. The day will culminate in a flotilla along the canal arriving at the basin at 3pm.”
www.chichestercanal. org.uk.