Colourful laser shows will light up Chichester Canal Basin

Hits from pop royalty including Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter will feature in this year’s colourful laser shows at Chichester Canal Basin, taking place later this month.

The popular free events return on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 February, providing a bright and lively finale to the half-term holidays. Organisers say the shows are designed to bring people together during what can often be a dull time of year.

This year’s programme will feature laser displays only, with an additional show added each evening. Spectators will be able to enjoy three different 20-minute shows each night, starting at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm. Each performance will be fully choreographed to music.

Alongside Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter, the soundtrack will include artists such as K Pop Demon Hunters, Raye, Olivia Dean, Robbie Williams and Latin-inspired pop star Camila Cabello, as well as a mix of classic hits from across the decades. Those attending are being advised that strobe lighting will be used during the shows.

The events have been arranged by Chichester District Council to help support the local economy, with lights and sound provided by Chichester-based Showmen Event Group.

Councillor Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Licensing, Events and Communications at Chichester District Council, says: "At this time of year it can be rather grey and miserable and so we hope these uplifting shows will be a real antidote to that, and encourage people of all ages to come out, get together with friends and family and enjoy a fun shared experience with others. There's already been a lot of interest in these free shows, and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to this unique and special space.

"The shows are part of our wider aim to bring a broader range of events to the district for different age groups and audiences in order to support our local businesses and the evening and night-time economy. Our district has so much to offer, and holding events such as these is one of the key ways in which we can highlight and celebrate this.

"If you're planning on coming along to one of these amazing shows why not make a day of it? Spend time in our amazing city centre, visit one of the fabulous cafes or restaurants and enjoy all that our city has to offer, or why not pop by after the shows and carry on the celebrations?

"Where possible we are also encouraging people to come on foot or use public transport. For people who do plan to drive then our city centre has several car parks including the conveniently located Avenue de Chartres car park.

There will be plenty of food and drink options around the Canal Basin, along with illuminated entertainers and a children’s carousel. The Canal Café and Visitor Centre will also be open, offering refreshments and information about the canal trust, with optional donations welcomed.

To create extra space for spectators and stalls, the adjacent section of Canal Wharf will be closed to traffic on both evenings. All shows are funded through UK Government grants secured by Chichester District Council.

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