Thousands gather at Oaklands Park for Chichester emergency showcase

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-07 10:11 2 min read

Emergency vehicles and responders perform a public rescue demonstration on a dry grass field.

Oaklands Park saw a significant turnout this past Sunday, 2 August, as thousands of Chichester residents gathered for the annual Emergency Services, Armed Forces and Community Day. The free, family-friendly event, which has become a staple of the local summer calendar, offered a rare, hands-on look at the daily operations of those who serve the region.

The day began with a traditional marching band parade and an opening address from the town crier, setting a vibrant tone for a celebration that combined public service education with community entertainment.

A display of public service and safety

The event featured an extensive programme of live demonstrations designed to bridge the gap between the public and emergency responders. Crowds watched as personnel performed complex scenarios, including road traffic collision rescues, house fire simulations, and controlled chip pan fire demonstrations. The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance provided one of the day’s most notable moments with a live helicopter landing, allowing attendees to see the aircraft up close.

Beyond the high-stakes drills, the event functioned as a vital community hub. Families were able to explore a wide array of both modern and historic service vehicles, with many opportunities to climb aboard and speak directly with crews about their roles. Station Manager Anton Mezzone, who coordinated the event, noted that the day served a dual purpose: celebrating community spirit and delivering essential safety information. With the sustained hot, dry weather conditions experienced across West Sussex this summer, the fire service used the platform to reinforce the importance of outdoor fire prevention and simple safety precautions for residents.

Community engagement and future outlook

The event was a collaborative effort involving West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, and various military branches, including the Royal Air Force, British Army, and Royal Navy. Local charities, community organisations, and small businesses also participated, adding to the festival atmosphere alongside magic shows, fairground rides, and a popular appearance by the character “Gangsta Granny.”

Councillor Tracie Bangert, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, attended with her family and highlighted the role such events play in fostering public trust. The success of the 2026 edition, which built upon the momentum of previous years, underscores the local appetite for direct engagement with public service providers. Efforts like these remain central to the region’s strategy for maintaining community resilience and safety awareness. The event was supported by a wide partnership including West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council, Chichester City Council, and the Chichester Business Improvement District, with proceeds supporting the Fire Fighters Charity.

Source: West Sussex County Council

Context & actions About this article

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This report is based on the official post-event release published by West Sussex County Council on 7 August 2026.

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