BRING BACK COV CARNIVAL
CALLS MADE TO REVIVE CELEBRATION IN TIME FOR CITY OF CULTURE
CALLS have been made to revive the Coventry Carnival in time for the City of Culture 2021.
The carnival was a much-loved fixture in Coventry across the 1960s, 70s and 80s as residents flocked to the streets to watch floats parade through the city.
It eventually fizzled out and was revived again in 2000, later merging into the Godiva Carnival Procession which was last held in 2011.
As Coventry City Council is gearing up to mark the City of Culture in 2021, discussions are already underway as to what events the city can put on.
The City of Culture Trust has set aside a £25million budget for an “exciting” programme of events, which is due to be announced in 2020.
Speaking at a Scrutiny Co-Ordination Committee on October 10, Councillor Catherine Miks (Lab, Lower Stoke) made the case for the Coventry Carnival to be brought back to life.
She said: “On the council plan we talk about engaging local communities. George [Duggins, the leader] has said he’s happy to get any ideas from us.
“One that has come out is about the carnival that we used to have. That was unique.
“That has come out from residents’ groups and a comment that was made after the Godiva Festival.
“They said the Godiva Festival music was fantastic, but couldn’t we have the old carnival back?
“What a fantastic way to invite communities and businesses to show off what they do in our city. It may not be a money maker but it’s what a lot of people remember.”
A council spokesman said a range of ideas are being explored.
He said: “As the excitement builds towards Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture in 2021, there are conversations happening across the city, with many ideas being discussed and explored on how the city can have an inclusive cultural programme, which will engage and reflect our communities.
“Coventry has a great reputation, and long established record, in delivering outdoor events and celebrations of its history and heritage, and we’re aware that the idea of a Coventry Carnival still holds many happy memories for people.
“Moving forward, Coventry City of Culture Trust, along with the council and many key partner organisations, will look to build an exciting cultural programme for 2021 and for years to come, which will celebrate Coventry, engage local people and showcase the city to visitors.”