Release date: 9 June 2026
Chichester’s Emergency Services, Armed Forces and Community Day will return on Sunday 2 August, celebrating the organisations, volunteers and individuals who help protect and support our communities every day.
The free family event held at Oaklands Park in Chichester will bring together emergency services, armed forces personnel, charities, community organisations, local businesses, and live entertainment for what promises to be one of the region’s largest and most exciting community events.
Visitors can look forward to an action-packed day featuring emergency service displays, live rescue demonstrations and scenarios, military exhibits, historic and modern vehicles, interactive activities, live music, family entertainment, community stalls, food vendors and much more.
The event has been designed to provide a unique opportunity for the public to meet the people behind the uniforms, learn more about the incredible work carried out across our communities, and inspire future generations to become involved in emergency services, volunteering and community support roles.
Alongside the entertainment and displays, the event will also help raise awareness and support for several charities. Donations made through the event’s QR code and JustGiving page will support the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides vital rehabilitation, mental health support and wellbeing services for serving and retired members of the fire and rescue community and their families.
Additional charities and community organisations will also be attending to raise awareness and funds for their own important causes throughout the day.
Anton Mezzone, Station Manager at Chichester Fire Station and organiser of the event said: “We are incredibly excited to bring this event back for 2026 and provide another fantastic day for the whole community.
“The event is all about bringing people together, showcasing the incredible work carried out by our emergency services, armed forces and community organisations, and creating an enjoyable, educational and inspiring day for visitors of all ages.”
The event is being organised by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service in collaboration with South East Coast Ambulance Service, Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, Royal Air Force, British Army, Royal Navy, West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council, Chichester City Council, and Chichester Business Improvement District, in support of the Fire Fighters Charity.
