During the October half-term, eight massive, mischievous monsters will be descending on Coventry and taking over rooftops in the city centre.
The monsters were designed by artists, Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, and form part of a public art trail in the city to mark the Halloween period and encourage residents to rediscover their Coventry. With the monsters set to be around all week, there’s plenty of time to take part in the trail too.
This imaginative and colourful trail is completely free of charge, and families are encouraged to take on the role of ‘Monster Detectives’. Their job is to search the city centre to see if they can find all the mischievous brutes, give them names and, if the detectives are brave enough, even take photos with the monsters.
‘Monster Detectives’ are welcome to come and follow the trail anytime throughout the day and evening. Some of the monsters will be illuminated, so they’re always visible, which will give families more opportunity to take part in this spooky experience. To download the Monster Trail map, please visit www.coventry.gov.uk/monsters.
The Monster Trail is just one event that’s happening in the city centre this half-term. While following the trail, residents are encouraged to visit and enjoy many of Coventry’s attractions, shops, bars and restaurants, which have now safely re-opened after lockdown. More details about the other events happening in the city centre during half term can be found on: www.visitcoventry.co.uk/events/full
Visitors are also reminded that, while they’re in the city centre, they must strictly adhere to social distancing guidelines, including wearing a face covering and maintaining a two-metre distance from anyone not in their household. Many Coventry businesses have been adapting their facilities to ensure that they can be used safely, and visitors must follow any instructions given when inside a building or facility.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Events, said:
“I am delighted that we are able to present such an imaginative and enjoyable event in Coventry. These monsters are unlike anything we have seen in the city before and I am looking forward to seeing people in their family bubbles safely enjoying what will be a fun experience for everyone.
“Many city centre businesses have worked really hard to re-open and be ready to welcome local residents and visitors back. So, I encourage people to take advantage of this and visit many of the great attractions on offer during half term.
“However, while we are thrilled to have such an exciting event in the city centre, it’s vitally important that families ensure they can view it as safely as possible. That’s why I want to stress that when you visit Coventry to follow the trail, you must keep following the social distancing guidelines and have no more than six people in your group. Maintain that two-metre distance, ensure you wash your hands, wear a face covering and follow any instructions you see in the city centre.
Trish Willetts, BID Director, commented:
“The trail is just one part of Visit Coventry’s excellent #RediscoverYourCoventry campaign. Visit Coventry, alongside Coventry Business Improvement District and key city partners, are working together to deliver the campaign, which promotes Coventry’s tourism, retail and hospitality businesses, as well as encouraging visitors and residents alike to safely return and enjoy the city’s attractions, hotels, shops, bars and restaurants that are now open again following the coronavirus lockdown.”
The #RediscoverYourCoventry campaign was initiated by the Visit Coventry team as part of an ongoing promotion to encourage people safely back into the city.
For more details about the Monster Trail, please visit www.coventry.gov.uk/monsters
For more details about the social distancing measures in the city centre and COVID-19 in Coventry, please visit www.coventry.gov.uk/coronavirus