Residents celebrate the county's past, present and future on Sussex Day

The day is marked on 16 June each year to coincide with St Richard’s Day, who was the Bishop of Chichester in the 13th Century.

People from the village of Wick hang Sussex flag bunting outside the village hall to celebrate Sussex Day.
Author: Jo SymesPublished 16th Jun 2021
Last updated 16th Jun 2021

The past, present and future of Sussex are once again being celebrated today (Wednesday 16th June) as people across the county mark Sussex Day.

Launched in 2007, the 16th June coincides with St Richard’s Day, who was the Bishop of Chichester in the 13th Century.

It is a day to commemorate the rich heritage of Sussex, enjoy all the county has to offer and look ahead to new opportunities and possibilities.

Leader of West Sussex County Council, Councillor Paul Marshall said:

“I want to wish everyone living in, working in or visiting our beautiful county a very happy Sussex Day and to enjoy the day safely.

“There is much to celebrate about our county, from our beaches and coastal towns to our downland villages and stunning vistas; I truly believe Sussex is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. I will be marking the day by walking on the South Downs with my wife and dogs in the area of Chanctonbury Ring. What better destination to see West Sussex both coastal and rural!

“We’ve come a long way since last June when we weren’t able to celebrate Sussex Day in full. In that time, we’ve launched a tremendously successful vaccination programme, delivered more than 1 million jabs in 24 weeks, experienced more lockdowns and restrictions, and come through with a real sense of community spirit.

“And it is that community spirit, that sense of coming together and all of us working towards a common goal that I want to celebrate on Sussex Day this year.

“This spirit will be vitally important as we face together the future challenges not least the major and urgent pressures of climate change and the impact this will have on our communities both locally and globally.

"But there are possibilities too as we deliver on the priorities we’ve identified for West Sussex in Our Council Plan, strengthening our economy and our health and building back better.”

People across the county have been taking to social media to mark the day.

Chairman of West Sussex County Council Councillor Pete Bradbury said:

“Sussex Day this year will be especially significant for me as I was very honoured to have recently been elected Chairman of the County Council. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me.

“I hail originally from Lancashire, but I’ve had the privilege and pleasure to live in Sussex for the last four decades. During that time, I’ve been involved in supporting local schools and charities, community groups, businesses and sport, and know that there is much about our county in which we can take real pride.

“I hope you will be able to join me in celebrating Sussex Day on 16 June and take the opportunity to support local businesses as we bounce back from the pandemic and continue our exciting journey to West Sussex becoming a net zero environmentally friendly place to live and work.”

Residents are being asked to celebrate Sussex Day safely by following the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance, as well as current national restrictions.

There are many ways you can celebrate Sussex Day this year:

  • Join West Sussex Records Office and Screen Archive South East for an exciting and free online event exploring the places, stories and significance of the South Downs National Park.
  • Explore West Sussex for yourself by visiting Experience West Sussex for ideas on places to visit and stay.
  • Support local businesses by discovering locally produced food and drink.

Find out more about Sussex Day here.

The Sussex Day flag will be flown at County Hall, Chichester on the day.

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