Stage to Screen ...to Silence - Chichester's Lost Theatres & Cinemas
New Park Community Arts Association, New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7XY
For one day only as part of Heritage Open Days 2026, join respected local historian Alan Green for a free and fascinating guided walk through the hidden entertainment history of Chichester.
Discover the stories behind the city’s lost theatres, cinemas and concert halls — places that once played a central role in Chichester’s social and cultural life before closing and fading from view. From grand picture houses and much-loved music venues to forgotten performance spaces, this unique walk offers a rare opportunity to uncover the everyday history, community memories and remarkable characters connected to these vanished landmarks.
Along the route, Alan will bring the past to life with historical insight, local anecdotes and surprising discoveries, revealing how entertainment and popular culture shaped the city across generations. Whether you are interested in local history, architecture, film, theatre or simply seeing Chichester from a new perspective, this engaging walk promises plenty to intrigue and inspire.
The walk will start and finish at the Café Bar at New Park Centre, where refreshments and restroom facilities are available. The guided walk will take approximately 90-minutes.
Accessibility: Level 1 (easy access), suitable for conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, via flat, hard surfaces with no significant obstacles.
Advance booking is essential as places are limited.
Timings
- Saturday 12 September:
- Arrive at 1100 in the café bar at New Park for 1130 start.
Location & directions
New Park Community Arts Association, New Park Centre, New Park Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7XY
- Directions:
- GETTING HERE: Train: Chichester Railway Station 15-20 minute walk (approx. 0.8 miles). From the station, walk up South Street, turn right on East Street, and left near St. Pancras Church. Direct connections to and from London Victoria, Brighton, and Portsmouth Bus: Stagecoach services: - Service 700 Market (Stop N) towards Littlehampton and Yapton - Service 700 & 51 Market (Stop M) towards Bus Station and Bosham - Service 500 & 55 Litten Terrace towards Littlehampton, Tangmere and Bognor Regis - Service 500 & 707 Franklin Place towards City Centre, Tesco & South Bank - Service 51 & 56 Market (Stop L) towards Selsey Seal Road, Arundel Park and Selsey West Sands Foot: New Park Centre is a flat, brief walk from main pedestrianised areas and The Cross Parking: limited on site / closest car parks within walking distance New Park Road & Cattle Market https://www.chichester.gov.uk/carparks
- Contact on day:
- Allison or Stuart
- Telephone number:
- +441243536840
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- BOOKING - advance booking essential as places are limited. Please email Stuart Gaze to book.
- Booking contact name:
- Stuart Gaze
- Booking telephone number:
- +441243536840
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking opens:
- 01 Jul 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 31 Aug 2026 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
ACCESSIBILITY: Level 1 (easy access), suitable for conventional wheelchairs and pushchairs, via flat, hard surfaces with no significant obstacles.
Additional information
Need refreshments - we've got you covered - our on-site café bar is the perfect spot for drinks and snacks. The walk is completely free! If you've enjoyed it, we'd love it if you considered donating on the day to help us replace our much-loved Victorian school roof.
- Max number of people:
- 25
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
