No one is going to mind being...
BEING UK City of Culture 2021 will be “transformational” for Coventry and make a difference to people across the city.
That’s the claim of Coventry City Council chief executive Martin Reeves who was still jubilant the day after Coventry won the title.
Mr Reeves was speaking to the Telegraph at Fargo Village yesterday, where a large crowd had gathered to welcome UK City of Culture 2021 judge Phil Redmond and culture minister John Glen MP and celebrate Coventry’s win.
“This is a game changer, there is absolutely no doubt about it at all for this city,” he said.
“The politicians all those years back, to back the bid was visionary.
“Now it is about delivery and Louis the choreographer on the panel with me said ‘do you know what, this is about showing people now, this is about doing and showing and not just talking,’ so those people in Hillfields, in Coundon, in Wood End, all those places, now actually start to see the difference that being the UK City of Culture will make for them every single day.
“You know we are going to put on a great show, not just in 2021 but in the lead up and beyond so this really is transformational and I know those words are used too often but this city has been – I called it the cellophane city during the judging process – we have been looked through for far too many years, now we are being looked at and I think that is just amazing.”
Theresa May has led the praise for Coventry, the Prime Minister saying she is delighted Coventry has been named UK City of Culture.
In a statement she recognised the greatness of Godiva Festival, business, and a place of innovation.
She said: “I’m delighted that Coventry has been named the next UK City of Culture.
“I’ve no doubt that you’ll put on a spectacular year of events and really create a lasting legacy for people here.
“Because your city has always been a place of innovation, from the air and motoring industries working at the cutting-edge of their fields, to major family events like the Godiva Festival that attract many thousands. You should all be very proud of the efforts you put in and I wish you all a wonderful lead-up to what is going to be an exciting and momentous time for Coventry.” Free Radio breakfast show host JD has been a fervent supporter of the bid and was celebrating at the Belgrade Theatre on Thursday night when the result was announced. “The reason I love this city so much is one its people and one its determination. For years we have been promised Coventry would have its moment. It hasn’t been delivered. We have had bits but nothing like what the city of culture will bring. “This is not about businesses or arty people this is about Mick in Stoke Heath, Sarah in Cheylesmore. This is about making a better Coventry and building communities.
“I honestly though it was going to go a different way but this is it. 2021 and the build up to it are going to the best times Coventry has ever seen.
“The rest of the world need to bags their bags because in 2021 they are being sent to Coventry.”
Some of the biggest names in the entertainment world have tweeted their congratulations.
From Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville to kids TV show entertainers Dick and Dom, they are all recognising Coventry.
Mr Bonneville tweeted: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the successful Coventry bid. A great achievement. Godiva-a-go-go.
Comedian Joe Lycett tweeted: “Congratulations to Coventry on winning City of Culture 2021. Lucky for you that I’m not a city.”
Debbie Isitt, director of Nativity, has also been celebrating on Twitter.
In her tweet saying “Over the moon! Cov’s moment to sparkle and shine! @Coventry2021,’ Dick and Dom replied to say, “It’s your year for sure Debbie!!! X”
We are going to put on a great show, not just in 2021 but in the lead up and beyond. Council chief executive Martin Reeves