COVENTRY PREPARES TO ‘TURN BACK TIME’ AGAIN AS THE ‘AUTUMN IS QUEER’ FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 2026
Coventry is gearing up for a vibrant, city-wide celebration of self-acceptance and inclusivity as Autumn Is Queer returns for its second year, running from September 22nd to November 30th 2026.
Produced by Extraordinary Us CIC with support from Coventry City Council and Arts Council England, this year’s festival theme, Coventry: Feeling Proud, honours both the city’s civic pride and the LGBTQ+ ethos of radical inclusion: “Coventry loves you as you are.”
PHOTO credit – @photogempic
The festival’s highlight event, “Cher The News,” takes place on Sunday, October 25th – the day the clocks turn back time (by one hour) – as Coventry city centre transforms into “Cher-ventry,” the (un)official European home of Cher. This major community celebration will bring together participants, choirs, bands, and performers to dress up as Cher, featuring pop-up performances, interactive interventions, and plenty of iconic wigs. Creative partners include Highly Sprung, Fitness With Matt, and The Tin Music & Arts.
If Cher-ventrians want to don a wig and turn back time then organisers are calling on local residents, performers, and Cher enthusiasts of all backgrounds to join the fun for ‘Cher The News’ on Sunday, October 25th.
Whether you want to perform, sing, or simply dress up as your favourite Cher, you can sign up or find out more by visiting autumnisqueer.co.uk/cher-the-news or emailing hello@extraordinaryus.co.uk.
Extraordinary Us also offers at the CBS Arena under the header ‘Feeling Proud’, the “Museum of Me: City Till I Die” community pop-up structure celebrates Coventry City Football Club fans through thick and thin, featuring stories from the co-founder of the Proud Sky Blues fan group.
Outside of this – over 40 events across the CV postcode region bring together local venues, cultural spaces, and nightlife. Highlights include drag brunches at The Yard, tributes to iconic pop stars, and the British Art Show – A Chorus Of Strangers. You’ll also find Dogoween at FarGo Village, Tease at Albany Theatre, and Congregational by Fatt Butcher at Warwick Arts Centre.
In Autumn, Coventry is the place to LGB and T and Q and +.
Local businesses and allies can support the festival through corporate partnerships, found on the website.
Coventry’s night-time economy awarded Purple Flag accreditation
Coventry’s night-time economy has been awarded a major international accreditation for the very first time, recognising the city as a safe destination after dark.
The city has been recognised with prestigious Purple Flag status, highlighting Coventry city centre, Earlsdon High Street and the Kasbah in Primrose Hill Street as providing a safe, entertaining, diverse and enjoyable night out.
Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police have been working in partnership to raise standards and ensure positive night-time experiences for residents, visitors and people working in the city centre.
Purple Flag accreditation reflects coordinated work across the partnership. Through the Coventry Community Safety Partnership, the Night‑Time Economy Steering Group and the Responsible Authority Working Group, partners have put in measures to strengthen city centre management and safety.
This work includes licensing and compliance activity, taxi safeguarding checks, Ask for Angela and Best Bar None, and preparedness activity under Protect & Prepare.
The BID and Coventry City Council relaunched the Ask for Angela scheme, which provides a way for anyone who feels vulnerable in a bar or venue to discreetly ask for help from staff. This included launching a training scheme, with 150 people completing the training over the last 12 months.
Over the last three years the BID has also purchased 200,000 safety items for venues to distribute free of charge, including DrinkSafe anti-spiking covers, bottle toppers and DrinkSafe testing strips to allow venues to spot-check if a drink has been spiked.
Further joint activity includes, the installation of 100 public defibrillators and bleed kits over the last three years.
Coventry City Council’s Licensing Team in partnership with Coventry BID, delivers the Best Bar None accreditation scheme in the city. Now in its fourth year, the accreditation highlights to customers that a venue excels in safety, training, management and customer experience.
Taxi marshals have also been introduced in the city centre to help people get home safely and Coventry BID’s street patrol team has expanded its service to patrol in the evening to deter crime and anti-social behaviour, while education sessions have been held with students arriving in Coventry for the first time.
The city welcomed independent assessors from the Association of Town Centre Management in November, who spent a full day and night in the city centre and visited pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
The assessment took place alongside the Christmas Market and Festival of Christmas, showcasing Coventry at one of its busiest and most dynamic times of year.
Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, said: “The safety of visitors to the city centre is our highest priority, so it is fantastic to have received Purple Flag recognition after many years of hard work across the city.
“This was a true partnership effort, not only with the key partner organisations, but also our brilliant community of businesses, who have gone above and beyond at all stages and proved the power of partnership working in Coventry.
“It was great to hear how impressed the assessors were with the collaboration shown, and their feedback that they were surprised we had not applied sooner speaks volumes. We will continue to invest in initiatives to promote safe and enjoyable nights out in Coventry city centre.”
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “We are delighted to have received Purple Flag status. The accreditation reflects years of hard work led by Coventry City Council’s Regulation & Community Safety teams and our partners, demonstrating our commitment to a safe, vibrant and well‑managed city centre.
“We want our city centre to feel safe and welcoming and I’m grateful for the efforts of the Council, Police, BID officers and Coventry Street Pastors as well as so many hospitality venues in helping achieve this.
“The assessment process helped us showcase the city’s many fantastic venues and the feedback we received from the assessment team was overwhelmingly positive.”
Cllr Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, added: “It is great to see Coventry recognised through the Purple Flag accreditation. Partners have worked through the city’s established governance to deliver measures that support a safe and well‑managed evening and night‑time economy.”
Cllr Faye Abbott, Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, said: “Achieving Purple Flag status is an outstanding achievement for our city, reflecting our commitment to creating a vibrant and safe night-time economy. This award not only raises the profile of our city’s nightlife but also reassures the public that they can enjoy it with confidence and provides local businesses with invaluable opportunities for growth and collaboration. It’s a testament to the hard work of all stakeholders involved in building an inclusive, welcoming environment after dark.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Purple Flag status is hard to achieve, and it reflects the dedication of Coventry BID and the council in making the city a vibrant, safe, and well-managed place after dark. That’s great news for Coventry’s night-time economy.
“Everyone using our pubs, clubs, and venues, as well as the 100,000 people working in hospitality, deserves to feel safe and supported. That’s why I set up the Night-time Economy Commission: to support venues, protect jobs, and help the sector not just survive, but thrive.”
Chief Inspector Hamir Godhania, from West Midlands Police, added: “We are incredibly proud that Coventry has been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation. West Midlands Police work closely with the BID, Council and other emergency services to ensure we are doing our very best for Coventry’s evening and nighttime economy.
“We want everyone to feel safe when visiting Coventry. We have three dedicated neighbourhood teams for the city centre, a Priority Crime team, response units and specialist teams like Project Guardian who proactively seek those wanting to cause harm.
“We want to continue to reduce antisocial behaviour and violence across the city and the Purple Flag accreditation is just another step closer to achieving this.”
There’s so much going on in Coventry City Centre this summer! From Dinosaurs to crafting, and pop-up golf to ice skating look no further for fun for the family.
Whilst you’re at it, check out some of our fantastic eateries with great ‘kids eat’ Summer offers, and an array of retailers to tide you over.
Dino Trail – West Orchards Shopping Centre 23rd July to 11th September
The Dinosaurs have escaped in West Orchards Shopping Centre, they need your help to find them all.
FREE Activity – Pick up an activity sheet, find the dinosaurs, answer the questions, and enter the competition to win £100 in shopping vouchers. *T&C’s apply
The free, six-day event will be back in Broadgate!
Sports Fest will be back for its 10th anniversary, celebrating by featuring a wide range of sports and wellbeing activities that are suitable for all ages and abilities.
You can visit the free event every day from Tuesday 26 July – Sunday 31 July, 10am-4pm.
Eco Craft Workshops – Belgrade Plaza Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd August
Unleash your creativity with FREE summer holiday family fun!
There’ll be fun to be had at Belgrade Plaza over the summer when they’ll be putting on some Eco Children’s Craft Workshops. These will be running on 2nd and 3rd August, between 11am – 4pm, so why not drop by to join in!
Families can come along to our summer HQ, located in the marquee on the grass area outside the theatre, to join in with some free crafting sessions!
PLUS, pick up a colouring sheet from them on the day to enter the competition for a chance to win a tasty food voucher for one of their restaurants.
Family Summer Craft Sessions – Coventry Retail Market Every Friday 29th July – 26th August
Pop along and get creative every Friday from 11am to 3pm at Coventry Retail Market with the team from Sitting Rooms of Culture who can be found under the umbrellas.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum From Monday 1st August to Saturday 3rd September
Various activities are available over the Summer. From spray painting murals in the Summer Art Masterclass, to designing your own plate or mug in our Ceramic Art Masterclass.
Summer Art Club 2022 – FarGo Village market hall Every Thursday for 6 weeks throughout the Summer holidays
Summer Craft Club is running for 6 weeks during the Summer Holidays. Sessions are held at 9am-11am, 12am-2pm & 3pm-5pm. Sessions must be booked online.
Coventry Cathedral Quarter Walking Tours Every Wednesday and Saturday
Ideal introductory walk of Coventry’s historic heart for visitors to the city, looking at the sites of Coventry’s 3 cathedrals and how the city has evolved from a medieval centre for the wool trade through a variety of different trades and industries.
Get your skates on and join Planet Ice over the summer Holidays and enjoy ice skating fun for all the family! With Public skating, Learn to Skate course, 3 or 5-day camps, Beano Birthday Parties and much more!
Double Discounts are back, for the summer holidays! Saving you £4.40 OFF every public skate with the Ice Card Membership!
The Ice Card Membership also gives you £5 OFF every Ice Skating & Ice Hockey Course, along with £2.20 OFF public ice skating all year round and Double Discounts on selected dates!
Tickets for just £5 per ticket* The perfect ticket bundle for all the family to enjoy at great value this Summer. Each Family Summer Saver ticket bundle includes:
4 standard Adult tickets 4 standard Child tickets
Tickets can be used across UK cinemas (excluding Luxe cinemas). *Available for a limited time only and requires a myOdeon membership! Find out more HERE
Coventry Transport Museum
From open play sessions for under 5s to STEM-based workshops for 11-16s, there’s lots to keep kids of all ages busy at Coventry Transport Museum during the summer holidays.
Get stuck in to family junk modelling, try your hand at stop motion or computer programming, or follow our activity trail around the museum at your own pace.
The UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery.
Expect a 360-degree experience, suitable for the whole family
Coventry City of Culture Trust opened the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, The Reel Store, in May 2022.
Following on from the huge popularity of immersive art spaces around the world, the space now features innovative art commissions and is a permanent new visitor attraction in the heart of the city.
Housed in the old reel store at the former home of the Coventry Evening Telegraph newspaper, a space that once held the rolls of paper that the city’s stories were printed on is now hosting world renowned artists at a whole new scale.
There is an excellent café to enjoy with some great gifts to share as souvenirs and presents.
The main 800m2 exhibition space houses a large projection mapping canvas with multiple high quality video projectors and an immersive sound system.
Kids eat for £1 all Summer with any full paying adult meal. T&C’s apply.
Bella Italia – Kids eat for £1 Monday – Thursday, 4-6pm
Kids can enjoy three delicious courses & a Cawston Pressed Fruit Water for just £1 with the purchase of every adult main! Meals are suitable for 2-11 year olds.
Looking to add some food and drink options to your summer, make sure you check out or food and drink guides HERE.
Where to see the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in Coventry
The Queen’s Baton Relay will be travelling through Coventry on Thursday 21 July 2022 – a week before the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Arriving in the city at 4:40pm, the route will start at The Alan Higgs Centre before the Queen’s Baton moves to The Reel Store, followed by Millennium Place.
At Millennium Place, a free Journeys that Matter event will be held from 4pm – 6pm where spectators can enjoy an afternoon of movement with classic vehicles, cycles, dancing, wheelchair basketball and much more.
At 6pm the Baton will be carried to Broadgate, where Coventry’s Voices will be taking place – a show with performances from local young people including dance, music, rap and spoken word.
The Baton will then travel to The Wave Waterpark before it is handed over and carried to St Mary’s Guildhall and Herbert Art Gallery.
The next stop at 6:45pm is Assembly Festival Gardens. A celebratory event will be held in the gardens from 5pm – 7:15pm to welcome the Baton and Batonbearers to the city. Music, performances and interviews with sporting heroes and Batonbearers will take place at the free event.
Coventry Cathedral will be the final stop of the evening where Coventry will send a message of peace and reconciliation to the Commonwealth.
From 10pm – midnight, spectators can enjoy a free evening spectacle of Laser City UK from the awe-inspiring interior of Coventry Cathedral. Blue lasers will beam across the city from St Michael’s Tower from 10pm.
The Baton’s arrival at the cathedral signals the start of Laser Light City by Seb Lee-Delisle, a spectacular free laser light show that runs from 10pm until midnight on Thursday 21 July, Friday 22 July and Saturday 23 July. The historic ruins will be filled with powerful laser beams set to music running on a loop.
In addition, interactive sky lasers will be firing from the historic St Michael’s Tower as a message of peace that can be seen for miles around. The public can take control of each laser’s position, colour and shape in real-time with their phones. More information about how to take part can be found at www.laserlight.city/coventry.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council, said: “We are thrilled that the Baton will be travelling through Coventry and will be taken on a tour of our city centre by inspirational Batonbearers.
“It’s a fantastic way to showcase the city and I’d like to encourage as many residents as possible to see the Queen’s Baton Relay whilst it’s in Coventry. There’s an evening of free activities for the whole family to enjoy in the city centre to celebrate the event.”
One of the city’s Batonbearers is Jack Hill, a dedicated special needs teacher at a Coventry school who also trains and coaches people, including those with special needs, in Crossfit. Urmila Prajapati will also be carrying the Baton though the city and was selected after raising over £7,500 for charity by cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats. She has also run four marathons. Rolling road closures are due to be in place for the duration of the relay on Thursday 21 July with Upper Well Street, Corporation Street, Bishop Street and Tower Street closed from approximately 4pm – 5:30pm, whilst Hales Street will be closed from 4pm – 6:15pm.
The next set of closures will be New Union Street and Greyfriars Lane closed from 5:30pm – 6:15pm, followed by Little Park Street, High Street, Priory Street and Cuckoo Lane closed from 5:30pm – 7pm. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout.
Coventry crowds come out in force for city centre food festival and music events
Thousands of food and music lovers braved sweltering temperatures and torrential rain to enjoy Coventry BID’s Food Festival and Music Live events at the weekend.
Coventrians and people from further afield flocked to the city centre for the return of the BID’s Food Festival, last held in 2019.
They basked in soaring temperatures on Friday, braved pouring rain on Saturday and finished the weekend with a mild Sunday that brought crowds into Broadgate. There they enjoyed food from around the world, including burgers, mac’n’cheese, Caribbean cuisine and more. Traders dished up curries, noodles, gyros and paella, with sweet treats including churros, waffles and brownies. For thirsty visitors, several bars served up tasty tipples inculding beer, cider, cocktails and more.
Top chefs Glynn Purnell and Paul Foster led a packed programme at the festival’s cookery theatre, which also saw local award winning chef Sophie Hyam show off her skills to eager onlookers. The theatre was also home to the first ever ‘Coventry Cook Off’, judged by local comedian and content creator ‘Funny Francis’ and local food blogger Ellen Manning.
The contest was won by Caribbean restaurant Leave it to Esmie, while other entries included fellow FarGo Village business Bib Noodle Bar, as well as Earlsdon’s Bun & Steak. ‘Meet the Trader’ moments also gave stallholders the chance to showcase their offering.
The festival offered fun for all the family, including children’s entertainers, balloon modelling and face painting, as well as a DJ playing party-starters to get visitors dancing in front of the famous Lady Godiva statue in Broadgate.
The fun didn’t stop there, with top acts coming to Coventry’s Assembly Festival Gardens for two Music Live nights organised by the BID. On Friday night, dance music fans enjoyed sets from top DJs including Paul Oakenfold and Eddie Halliwell, alongside Paul Morrell, KKlass – both remixers for top stars including Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna and Whitney Houston – plus popular Coventry DJ Simon Baker.
Saturday saw a throwback feel at the venue with performances from acts including: M People’s Heather Small; British dance group Bootyluv; Katherine Ellis, the voice behind English duo Freemasons; and Rozalla – the voice behind hit single Everybody’s Free.
Joanne Glover, Interim BID Manager at Coventry BID, said: “It’s safe to say a good weekend was had by all. Despite some of the hottest temperatures we’ve seen this year on Friday, contrasted by pouring rain on Saturday that could have stopped play, Coventry came out in force to enjoy great food and drink right here in the heart of our city.
“From top chefs doing demonstrations to our own great local restaurants showcasing what they do, as well as the opportunity to try food from around the world from our great traders, have a few drinks or pick up some produce, there really has been something for everyone. This year also saw the addition of the Music Live events, which saw hundreds of people enjoy great music at the Assembly Festival Garden on both Friday and Saturday. “It’s been a real thrill for us to bring the food festival event back to Coventry city centre after being unable to do so for the past two years, so we’re delighted so many people turned out for it. Here’s to making it all even better next year.”
Local restaurants battle it out in ‘Coventry Cook-Off’ during Food Festival weekend
Local restaurants are being given the chance to showcase their culinary creations in a ‘Coventry cook-off’ as part of Coventry Food Festival in June.
Food businesses, restaurants and chefs from in and around the city can enter the first ever Coventry Cook-Off to show off their favourite dishes and get up on stage to introduce themselves and their businesses to keen foodies.
Each restaurant will have a 30-minute slot to whip up a dish on the Saturday and Sunday of the food festival The Cook-Off will be hosted by local food personality ‘Funny Francis’ and the winner of the fun, light-hearted contest will be presented with their Coventry Cook-Off trophy on Sunday afternoon as the festival closes.
The Cook-Off is just one part of a food-filled weekend on June 17th-19th in Coventry city centre. The Coventry Food Festival will feature demonstrations by top chefs Glynn Purnell and Paul Foster, as well as local talent Sophie Hyam, plus a packed food market around Broadgate offering something for everyone.
Entertainment will include fun for all the family, including a kids’ workshop, travelling roadshow and an array of entertainers. Throughout the weekend, there will also be ‘Meet the Trader’ moments on stage, where local producers and food businesses will tell their stories to festival compere, local food blogger Ellen Manning.
The evenings of the food festival will bring a Coventry BID’s Music Live event headlined by top DJs Paul Oakenfold and Eddie Halliwell and M People’s Heather Small, performing at the Assembly Festival Garden alongside other great acts.
Joanne Glover, Interim BID Manager at Coventry BID, said: “The Coventry Food Festival is shaping up to be a great event that really champions our local area. Not only do our headline chefs have links to Coventry, but we’re looking forward to getting some of our great city centre businesses and others from in and around Coventry up on stage to showcase what they do.
“Our weekend of family-friendly food and music will be a great highlight of what is shaping up to be a brilliant summer for our city.”
The Coventry Food Festival will take place from 11am to 5pm on Friday, 17th June, 10am to 5pm on Saturday, 18th June, and 11am to 4pm on Sunday, 19th June, with music acts performing on the Friday and Saturday nights.
Entry to the food festival is free, but tickets must be purchased for Music Live. Early bird tickets have already sold out, but tickets priced £30 remain on sale at the following links:-
Any local restaurants wanting to be involved in the Cook Off should contact pr@coventrybid.co.uk.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Coventry City Centre
Are you looking for something to do in Coventry over the Whitsun holiday and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday?
There are so many ways to keep yourself entertained in Coventry!
Wednesday 1st June
West Orchards Shopping Centre Bring your little ones along to West Orchards Shopping Centre between 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm to take part in FREE jubilee themed arts and crafts sessions. No booking necessary just turn up on the day.
Coventry Cathedral The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon celebrations will be held in Coventry Cathedral Ruins. This is a FREE ticketed event, and you can find out more here.
Lower Precinct Shopping Centre Join the Cub Club at Lower Precinct between 11am-3pm for crown making and face painting. This is a FREE event and you can just turn up on the day.
Spon Street Come along to the Queen’s Street Party on Medieval Spon Street between 12noon-8pm to celebrate the best of Britain with food, drink and live music.
Running from Saturday 28th May – Friday 3rd June. Afternoon Tea £19.99 which includes a glass of Prosecco or a pint of Becks. BOOK NOW.
Bella Italia
Kids eat for £1 during Half Term with the purchase of every adult main from 30 May – 12 June!
We have a new activity pack to keep your little ones entertained. Build a dice and play our version of snakes & ladders, colour in or complete the activities. T&C’s apply.
Assembly Festival Gardens
The team at Assembly Festival Gardens will be screening the televised Jubilee activity and will also host a Jubilee City Street Party from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.
What to do in Coventry city centre this Easter break
Easter has arrived in Coventry! Whether you have got some time off with the kids, or you are just looking to make the most of the long weekend, we have some super things going on in Coventry City centre, so you won’t be short of things to do with family and friends. With plenty of Easter activities to choose and so much to see, you can make this Easter one to remember.
With so much taking place in the heart of the city, we have the ultimate guide to what you can do with your family and friends to enjoy Easter and make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Easter in Coventry wouldn’t be the same without a visit from the Easter Bunny
The team at Coventry BID are welcoming a very special guest to Coventry City centre on Good Friday. You’ve guessed it, the Easter bunny is making an exclusive visit to the Upper Precinct in Coventry to hand out some eggs to anyone lucky enough to be visiting.
Come on down to the Upper Precinct anytime from 11am until 3pm, on Friday 15th to be in with a chance to say hello to the Easter bunny and pick up an egg. But don’t wait too long to get there, the Easter bunny only has a certain amount to giveaway, so make sure you get in there quick to collect your chocolate treat.
Free Easter trail and workshops at Belgrade Plaza
On Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 April, you can pop along to Easter HQ at the Belgrade Plaza and join in on their Easter Trail and children’s Craft Workshops.
Experience an Easter trail with a difference as you help clumsy bunny find all his carrots.
After losing his carrots around Belgrade Plaza, Clumsy needs to find them to give him enough bounce left to hide all the eggs. All successfully completed trails will be rewarded with a special Easter treat.
As well as this special trail there will also be some fun crafting workshops back at Easter HQ. Plus, you can pick up a colouring sheet on the day to enter a competition for a chance to win a tasty food voucher to spend at one of Belgrade Plaza’s restaurants.
Easter HQ is located in the marquee on the grass area outside the theatre and is open from 11am until 4pm on both days.
After all the hunting and Easter activities you may have worked up a bit of an appetite. Belgrade Plaza has many fantastic restaurants on site, including Bella Italia, Pizza Express, and The Mulberry. For more information and location details, please visit www.belgradeplaza.co.uk.
Easter at Skydome
Hop over to Skydome to meet our furry friends at the petting zoo and get a makeover from our face painters before having your photo taken!
Join us for some cracking springtime fun at Coventry Skydome this Easter on Thursday 14th April, between 11am-3pm.
FREE FAMILY FUN… and lots of chocolate to enjoy.
Assembly Festival Gardens Easter fun
On Thursday 14 April, we’re re-opening our gates in Coventry’s city centre with a programme filled to the brim with comedy, music, theatre and more. Details found here.
To celebrate the return of Assembly Festival Gardens, we invite you to an Easter egg hunt for all the family. No need to book, just turn up!
From 12pm, there will be a range of delicious chocolate eggs and special prizes hidden within the garden, come along to join in the fun.
Enter the Luminarium this Easter
People are invited to enter a world full of dazzling and enchanting views when a Luminarium is installed in Broadgate from Friday 15 April to Sunday 24 April.
The mind-bending structure will be taking over Broadgate during Easter half-term and will offer both adults and children a transformative sensory experience unlike anything they have felt before.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos from the event by using the hashtag #CovLuminarium.
The Albesila Luminarium is a maze of 27 egg-shaped domes each offering a mesmerising kaleidoscope of sounds, colours and shapes. This all builds to a crescendo in the expansive Main Dome where it all knits together to create a constellation of stars spiralling upward to the heavens.
Standard tickets to enter the Luminarium are £4 and can be booked now on the Assembly Festival Garden’s website. A concession ticket, which costs £2, is also available.
Eco-friendly Easter in Coventry
If you fancy doing something a little different this Easter, with an eco-twist, then Lower Precinct shopping centre is holding an Eco-Easter event on Saturday 16th April where shoppers and families are invited to come along and join in on a series of workshops.
There will be two educational workshop stations set up in central Lower Precinct. One is a ‘Grow your own Sunflower’ workshop and the other is a ‘Decorate a Butterfly, Bee or Flower’ using all things recyclable. A great way to have some Easter creative fun whilst also learning about some of the benefits of protecting the environment.
Each workshop is free for children to take part and booking is not required.
That’s not all. Visit the Lower Precinct on Saturday 16 April and you might be lucky enough to bump into Peter Rabbit, as he comes to visit the Lower Precinct’s Cubs Club mascot – Lenny the Lion. You can also sign-up to become a Cubs Club member and get your first stamp to redeem your free gift!
The event will take place in Lower Precinct on Saturday 16th April between 11am – 3pm and is open for all ages. More information can be found here.
Mulberrys Easter Egg-stravaganza
The Mulberry pub, located at Belgrade Plaza is also joining in the Easter spirit as they set out to put on their Mulberrys Kids Easter Egg-Stravaganza! Taking place on Saturday April 16 between 11am and 2pm, this event includes Easter workshops and games for all the family to enjoy.
The Easter workshop starts at 11am and runs until 12:50, followed by the special Easter bingo from 1pm.
Check out their website to find out more and see what else they have available over the Easter weekend – The Mulberry
West Orchards shopping centre
Whilst you are out and about in Coventry, don’t forget to visit West Orchards shopping centre. It’s great for a bit of retail therapy, for you and the kids and has a fantastic food court full of different places to grab some food and take a break. They have everything from sandwiches and snacks, to fried chicken, noodles, burgers, and healthy options too! A great place for all the family and caters for every single tastebud!
Kids are the art this Easter at the Herbert art gallery and museum
Something a little different is taking place at the Herbert this Easter. The Herbert is hosting a series of daily activities as part of the living sculptures art workshops.
This Easter the Herbert is giving children the opportunity to transform themselves into colourful living sculptures and walk along the runway in their junk modelled outfits, headdresses and other junk fashion accessories made from recyclable martials.
There are a number of different workshops available from junk modelling outfits to selfie masks and art garlands, all of which aim to bring out your children’s creative side, using recyclable materials, from crisp packets to wastepaper and cardboard.
For more information on the Herbert’s you are the art activities, check out the details on the Herbert website; You are the Art: Living Sculptures
Room for more Easter fun?
If you are after more Easter excitement, there are plenty more activities that you can do in and around the centre of Coventry. We have highlighted just a few of our favourites, perfect for all the family and all age groups.
Laser Quest Coventry: Visit laser quest this Easter to take part in several different laser quest missions. Choose from the laser quest mission where you battle for supremacy in an immersive experience of sounds, lights, and smoke. Galaxy quest adventure golf, with its unique obstacles and structures to get around as you search for that hole in one. Or experience the exhilarating and entertaining escape room. For more information check out the website: Laser Quest
The Wave Coventry: If you’ve not experienced the wave yet, then this is a must! The wave is Coventry’s own award-winning, indoor water park. Do you have what it takes to swim in The Wave? Find out more – The Wave Coventry
Planet ice is great for all the family, whatever age, or ice-skating ability. With all day ice skating making a return this Easter there is plenty of opportunity to have some fun on the ice. It’s super easy to book your session on the ice online on the Planet Ice website.
Catch up on all the latest movies available during the Easter break at Coventry’s very own Odeon cinema. It’s home to nine screens, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Don’t fear the height! The Ballroom Climbing Wall in Coventry is another popular activity for all the family. The ballroom climbing wall is Coventry’s only dedicated bouldering climbing facility. If you haven’t tried it, it is worth giving it a go. So much fun for all the family and you can get competitive too! Have you got what it takes to beat the wall? Hopefully we have given you some great ideas for things to do in Coventry this Easter. Looking to add some food and drink options to your weekend, make sure you check out or food and drink guides HERE
Top DJs and artists come to Coventry for brand new Music Live event from city’s BID
Top DJs Paul Oakenfold and Eddie Halliwell and M People’s Heather Small will take Coventry by storm this summer as part of a brand new weekend music event from the city centre’s BID.
The trio are among a stellar line-up of artists set to play in Coventry City Centre on Friday, 17th June and Saturday 18th June as part of a huge weekend of food and fun in the city.
Music Live is a brand new event launched by Coventry BID to coincide with the Coventry Food Festival, and will be held at the Assembly Festival Garden in the city centre. Alongside big-name acts there will be street food traders and bars serving up an array of great food and drink so people can party the weekend away.
Friday night’s festivities will feature top DJs Paul Oakenfold and Eddie Halliwell, alongside Paul Morrell, KKlass – both remixers for top stars including Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna and Whitney Houston – plus popular Coventry DJ Simon Baker.
The Saturday will have more of a throwback feel, with acts including: M People’s Heather Small; British dance group Bootyluv; Katherine Ellis, the voice behind English duo Freemasons; and Rozalla,- the voice behind hit single Everybody’s Free.
The line-up over the weekend will include:-
Friday 17th June 2022 – Assembly Festival Garden
Paul Oakenfold – 3x Grammy-nominated DJ and remixer for stars including Michael Jackson, Madonna and U2
Eddie Halliwell – Famed for residencies at Goodgreef and Gatecrasher, Eddie was named DJ of the year by Mixmag in 2003 and reached number 17 in both the 2005 and 2006 DJ Mag Top 100 poll.
KKlass – Grammy-nominated remixers for Rihanna and Whitney Houston
Paul Morrell – Multi-Platinum remixer for artists including Ava Max and Kelly Clarkson
Simon Baker – Coventry-based DJ, whose residencies have included The Yard
Saturday 18th June 2022 – Assembly Festival Garden
Heather Small – The ‘Voice of M People’
Karen Harding – best known for hit single Say Something
Bootyluv – British dance group performing singles including Don’t Mess With My Man & Some Kinda Rush
Katherine Ellis – Voice of The Freemasons
Rozalla – the voice behind hit singles Everybody’s Free & Are You Ready To Fly
Shena – performing hit singles The Weekend & Nothing I won’t Do
A second performance by DJ Paul Morrell
Coventry BID Dirctor Trish Willetts said: “The last few years we haven’t been able to throw some of the huge events that usually draw tens of thousands of people to Coventry City Centre but this year we’re back with a bang with a brilliant weekend full of top DJs and artists who will literally raise the roof at the Assembly Gardens.
“Music Live is a brand new offering from Coventry BID to add to what we know will already be a fun-packed weekend for the Coventry Food Festival. We’ve got something for everyone, from world-famous DJs to top artists with floor-filling tunes that are guaranteed to have the whole family dancing.
“These acts really are the real deal, and for some it’s the first time in years that they’ve taken to the stage in the UK – providing that Coventry really is the place to be for great music, entertainment and all-round fun. Get your tickets quick, because they won’t take long to sell out!”
Tickets for Coventry BID’s Music Live go on sale from 10.00 on Tuesday, 29th March via the following links:-
A limited number of Early Bird Tickets priced at £20 will be available for each night, so booking early is advisable.
The Herbert has bought the ‘Great Exhibition Prize Medal’
A unique part of Coventry’s past has been purchased by the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and will go on display in its History Gallery.
The Herbert has bought the ‘Great Exhibition Prize Medal’ which was awarded to the Coventry Ribbon Committee for the Coventry Town Ribbon in the 1800s
The ribbon was woven especially for the 1851 Great Exhibition and the bronze medal was awarded to recognise its quality.
Queen Victoria was so impressed with the ribbon that she ordered a large quantity of it and the Herbert now holds several lengths of it.
Herbert Curator Ali Wells said: “Visitors can now enjoy the bronze medal in the Herbert’s History Gallery, near to a piece of the intricate ribbon it was awarded for.
“The Coventry Town Ribbon was woven specially for the 1851 Great Exhibition and its story is perhaps the pinnacle of Coventry’s ribbon weaving history.”
In 1849, Prince Albert visited Coventry inviting the town to prove that it was the leading centre for ribbon manufacture.
The project was driven forward by ribbon manufacturer Charles Bray, freethinker, radical and a close friend of author George Eliot.
A committee was formed and the brief to design a ribbon for the Great Exhibition was given to the Coventry School of Design. The ribbon was designed by 20-year-old pupil Thomas Clack and woven by Thomas Robinson on a Jacquard mechanism mounted on a single hand loom.
Ali added: “This was an unusual mechanical combination created to accommodate the complexity of design and width of the ribbon. The pattern required more than 10,000 cards and nine shuttles with various coloured silks being used.”
Around 60 to 70 yards of the Coventry Town Ribbon were produced in the six months leading up to the Great Exhibition where it was awarded a prize medal ‘for a ribbon exhibiting much taste and skill in its production’.
The Exhibition Juries awarded prize medals ‘Wherever a certain standard in excellence production or workmanship had been attained- utility, beauty, cheapness, adaptation to particular markets, and other areas of merit’.
The prize medals were struck in bronze, the metal considered most appropriate for the development of superior skill and ingenuity in medallic art. This reflected the Great Exhibition’s mission of promoting British manufacturing through encouraging excellence in industrial design and developing public taste.
The purchase has been made possible due to the kind support from Arts Council England and V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
