Chichester City Council’s 39th Annual Awards & Freedom of the City

Join us for the 39th Annual Awards and Freedom of the City Ceremony, taking place at the Chichester Festival Theatre on Friday 20 March 2026 at 10:30am. Admission is free, and all are warmly invited to celebrate the people and organisations who make Chichester exceptional.

This year, the City Council is proud to grant the Freedom of the City upon Jess Breach, one of England’s most outstanding rugby talents and a true Chichester success story.

Jess Breach, born in Chichester in 1997, rose rapidly through rugby from childhood to become one of England’s most prolific international players, delivering a record‑breaking debut in 2017 and achieving more than 50 caps and victories by 2025. Despite her global success, she remains strongly connected to her hometown, actively supporting Chichester Rugby Club and inspiring hundreds of young players, particularly girls through coaching, fundraising and community engagement.

The Annual Awards will also shine a light on Chichester’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit. This year, four Blue Plaques will be unveiled, three of which celebrate remarkable women who have shaped the city’s history: Charlotte Turner Smith, the influential poet and novelist; Margery Wilkinson, a dedicated activist; and Queen Elizabeth I, who visited Chichester in 1591 during one of her most significant royal progresses. The fourth plaque will honour James Bennet Freeland, whose vision and generosity led to the creation of Oaklands Park, a much‑loved green space at the heart of the city.

A Civic Award will be presented to Julie Sandall, who runs Julie’s Kiosk in Florence Park. The café hosts a community foodbank, redistributing surplus items from local food charities to those who need them most.

Further awards include:

• Art and Science Award – Chichester Creative Art Creative Network
• Community Award – Creative Beatz and Jam Café
• Small Business Award – Ghost at the Feast

We look forward to welcoming residents, guests and supporters to this special occasion as we celebrate excellence, service and the enduring spirit of Chichester.

Use this link to book your free ticket: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/chichestercitycouncil/2043036

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