18.05.2025
New Park Centre
Posted by Jazmine Saunders on 18th May, 2025
For over five decades, New Park Centre has offered a welcoming community space has nurtured creativity in all its forms, playing a central role in the city’s artistic life.
Whether you’re a budding writer, an aspiring dancer, a curious painter or someone seeking the joy of simply trying something new, New Park offers a rich and inclusive programme of over 100 activities each week. From creative writing groups and art workshops to performance dance and mindfulness classes, there’s a space here for every creative soul.
New Park is more than a community centre, it’s a platform for personal growth, creative exploration, and artistic collaboration. It’s a place where children discover the magic of self-expression, adults reconnect with dormant passions, and everyone, regardless of age or ability, is invited to explore and enjoy the arts.
At the heart of New Park is its connection to the performing and literary arts. The Centre has proudly hosted Chichester Open Mic since 2010, offering a regular space for poets to share their work in an informal and supportive environment. This grassroots initiative has grown into a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, culminating each year in the much-anticipated Poetry and All That Jazz
event. Past headliners have included celebrated poets such as Don Paterson, Sam Willetts, and David Harsent, a testament to the Centre’s reputation for nurturing both emerging and established voices.
The Centre is home to a wonderful diverse range of visual, literary, and
performance arts groups and organisation offering regular sessions throughout
the year.
Chichester Music Appreciation Chichester Lindy Hop Circle Dancing
Jolene Dandelion Belly dance The Charleston Club Creative Writing
Adult Ballet & Flamenco Children’s Dance Cirque Little Wigglers
Chichester Wild Singers Singing Mamas Sound bath Healing
The Chichester Players amateur dramatic society was based at New Park Centre for many decades performing 3 shows a year in the Auditorium. Founded in 1933 by Leslie Evershed-Martin, the group produced a wide range of theatrical performances showcasing their versatility and commitment to high-quality theatre. Notable performances included A Tale of Two Cities, Gas and Gaiters, Night Watch, The Rivals, and Hobson’s Choice.
Since 1986 the Centre has been home to Chichester Cinema, the city’s only arthouse cinema. Open seven days a week, it offers an eclectic mix of
independent, international, classic, and contemporary films that cater to film- lovers of all tastes. Each year, the cinema hosts the renowned 18-day Chichester International Film Festival, drawing in filmmakers, critics, and audiences from across the region and beyond.
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Chichester Art Trail
Space to Exhibit
New Park Centre
New Park Centre is not only a space to explore art it’s a place to share it. The Centre’s diverse range of studios, rehearsal spaces, auditorium and meeting rooms provide the ideal setting for artists, creatives, and community groups to come together to showcase their work. Whether you’re painting, sculpting, writing, or rehearsing for your next performance, New Park offers the space and support to bring your creative vision to life.
The Centre’s Café Bar doubles as a gallery space, offering local and emerging artists a prominent platform to display and sell their work. This ever-changing exhibition space brings colour and conversation to every visit and continues to build bridges between artists and the community.
New Park is proud to host mental health charity, Way through who are the lead organisation for Pathways West Sussex. This vital service offers therapeutic services and emotional support for those navigating personal challenges. The arts activities available on site promote healing, well-being, and social connection within a safe community setting.
Photographic Credit: New Park Centre
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Chichester Art Trail
Time to Celebrate:
New Park Centre
This year, New Park Centre celebrates its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of artistic enrichment and community impact. The celebrations launched in April 2025 and span a year-long programme of events that reflect the Centre’s creative spirit and rich history.
Highlights include The Heart of New Park Festival, part of this year’s Chichester Fringe and The Festival of Chichester, which will shine a spotlight on the local artists, musicians, dancers, and authors who breathe life into New Park every day.
Throughout the summer, adults are invited to Sarah Moore’s 3rd Annual Arts Festival on Wednesday and Friday Dance Sessions, offering a playful chance to try styles from tap and ballet to jazz and musical theatre. Meanwhile, Chichester Cinema’s Family Film Weekend from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 August 2025 will provide a lively mix of cinematic entertainment for all ages, making the Centre a perfect destination for a family outing.
The August bank holiday Monday will see the return of Chichester’s JAZZFEST. Now in its 4th year, 2025 will see more stars than ever with 3 of the greatest names in contemporary music all in one place. Hosted by Nic Saunders and Rhythm Earth Trio with no less than 3 WORLD CLASS names ;–
- Dave O’Higgins, UKs legendary jazz saxophonist.
- Jim Mullen, one of the greatest guitarist of all time and one half of the great Morrissey Mullen Band.
- Heidi Vogel, one of the great jazz voices and iconic singer with the Cinematic Orchestra.
In September, the Golden Gala will bring the community together for a day of performances, exhibitions, and festivities, alongside the launch of a community- wide arts project that invites everyone to participate and contribute to a legacy of creativity. This dynamic weekend will be a joyful celebration of community talent and collaboration.
Photographic Credit: New Park Centre
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Chichester Art Trail
More Than a Building:
New Park Centre
New Park Centre is managed by the registered charity New Park Community & Arts Association, which exists to serve Chichester and its surrounding areas. The Charity receives no external funding and relies solely on room hire and community support to maintain and improve its facilities.
Despite this, New Park continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication of its staff, trustees, volunteers, and the creative energy of the people who use it. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support the arts.
In an era where cultural spaces are increasingly under threat, New Park Centre stands tall, a living, breathing space that inspires, nurtures, and celebrates creativity in all its forms. Whether you’re here to create, perform, exhibit, or simply enjoy the atmosphere New Park welcomes you.
Photographic Credit: New Park Centre
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Chichester Art Trail
Get in touch - we would love to hear from you:
New Park Centre
Tel: 01243 536840
Email: operations@newparkcentre.org.uk
Web: https://www.newparkcentre.org.ukPhotographic Credit: New Park Centre
