There’s jazz, blues, folk, rock, pop, world and more quality classical than you could shake a baton at. And that’s just the music. The annual Festival of Chichester (not to be confused with Chichester Festival Theatre) showcases performances from across the arts spectrum: you can enjoy theatre, book events and poetry, exhibitions, walks, cinema, tours, open days and galas in venues throughout the city and beyond. Highlights include an al fresco performance of Romeo and Juliet by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (who perform Shakespeare as it was performed in the Shakespeare’s day), poetry and music from Louis de Bernières and Elena Topogonova, a night with Cicestrian novelist Kate Mosse, Greek music from Plastikes Karekles and – to cap it all off – a full rendition of Handel’s Messiah, by the Consort of Twelve and Portsmouth Baroque Choir, with a break in the middle to enjoy lunch on the lawn of St Paul’s Church.