Sussex celebrates county's heritage for Sussex Day

Sussex Day was launched back in 2007 to coincide with the feast of Saint Richard, who was the Bishop of Chichester in the 13th century.

The Sussex flag will be flown at County Hall in Chichester to mark the occasion, with West Sussex County Council also organising a webinar to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chichester Festival Theatre and an evening with best-selling author Elly Griffiths as part of the Festival of Chichester.

Pete Bradbury, chairman of West Sussex County Council, said: “For me, the day is a chance to reflect on how lucky I am to live and work in such a beautiful and diverse area of the country.

“This year it is also poignant to reflect on the past few years of the pandemic and remember with pride how our communities across Sussex came together to support each other in such tough times.

“West Sussex holds a special place in my heart, as I know it does for so many of our residents, so whether you plan to go out and have a picnic in your local park or head into the South Downs for some fresh air and a stroll, I hope you take a minute to reflect on what the county means to you.”

Seaford Town Council will also be holding a short ceremony to mark the occasion, near the Martello Tower on the seafront.

At midday today, Seaford’s town crier Peter White will cry "The Sussex Day Cry", followed by a raising of the Sussex flag. People will then have the opportunity to sing the unofficial county anthem, Sussex By The Sea.

Celebrated every June 16, Sussex Day marks the anniversary of the translation of Saint Richard’s body from its original burial place in the nave of Chichester Cathedral to an elaborate shrine at the cathedral on June 16 1276.

Readings of the Sussex Charter often take place in towns across the county to mark the occasion, which proclaims residents of the county to be responsible for the wellbeing of our neighbours, to be guardians of the county’s wildlife and to support local businesses.