RECORD BREAKING GODIVA

AN incredible 179,000 people went to Godiva Festival 2017.

The three-day event in the War Memorial Park was headlined by The Stranglers, Example and The Darkness.

Now in its 19th year, the free-for-all music bash took place from July 7 to July 9.

Thousands flocked to the park, off Kenilworth Road, to enjoy the fun.

Many commented on Facebook and Twitter favourably of the event in the aftermath, with some branding it “brilliant”, and others suggesting it had been the “best” yet.

A jaw-dropping 88,000 people attended the second day of the event - with a record-breaking 179,000 heading in over the course of the weekend.

Councillor Abdul Khan, Cabinet Member for Events, said: “Godiva Festival has once again shown that it continues to grow each year. The festival is a fantastic event and the Events Team, and all those who have helped make the weekend work, have done themselves proud.

“We tried hard this year to really make sure that there was something for everyone and we definitely achieved that.

“Thank you to all those who played their part, including sponsors, partners and staff, to ensure Godiva Festival continues to be the UK’s biggest free family music festival.” Alongside the stellar line up, Godiva Festival also offered cultural attractions, with Coventry City of Culture Trust’s Cirque Bijou performance including a spectacular highline stunt which amazed audiences. Laura McMillan, Coventry City of Culture Trust Manager, said: “Bidding for UK City of Culture, you have to show your city has the capacity to hold large scale events and with 179,000 visiting Godiva this year, Coventry has it covered!” “Tom Clarke, Panjabi MC and Lucy Rose show the diverse range of artists Coventry and Warwickshire has, and the huge crowds participating together is astonishing to see.” Throughout the weekend, people also took to Facebook and Twitter to say how much they had enjoyed the event. Headliner Example wrote: “Love my job. Thank you @ godivafestival”. @mabmab71 told followers Godiva is “Coventry’s finest weekend of the year”. @paulmoped wrote: “The people of Coventry should be so proud of the @godivafestival it is so brill.” And Maxine added: “Well done @coventrycc for putting together one of the best @godivafestival in a long time #cityofculturebid” @intelligentVACo chipped in with: “Whenever we go to @godivafestival it just makes me fiercely proud to be from Coventry #LoveCov #ThisIsCov.

Bidding for UK City of Culture, you have to show your city has the capacity to hold large scale events... and we have it covered. Laura McMillan