New date for signature event of Coventry City of Culture
'Coventry Moves' will now take place on the 5th June.
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
The signature event of Coventry City of Culture 2021 has been re-arranged for a new date.
'Coventry Moves' was set to be the launch event for the year of celebrations on the 15th of May.
But organisers have now moved it to the 5th of June so the event can be delivered safely.
It's after discussions with partners, including West Midlands Police.
Coventry's year as city of culture will still begin on the 15th May though, with a 'celebratory moment to be enjoyed from home' being promised instead.
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:
“We continue to monitor closely the wide range of challenges that are associated with planning such a hugely significant event during a pandemic.”
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:
“Coventry Moves will be an experience created in the city and enjoyed by audiences online and via broadcast.
“We have been planning the event for several months, to be delivered safely within the restrictions in place, and 5 June has been widely agreed as a date that allows us to deliver the best moment for the city.
“While the detail of how we will open on 15 May remains a secret for now, from that day onwards as the UK’s City of Culture, we remain committed to ensuring Coventry has a year to remember.”
The opening on 15 May will be followed by a significant festival of street art and artist-designed shop windows to welcome visitors as they start to return to the City Centre.
There will also be a range of events from partner organisations, including the Belgrade Theatre, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Warwick Arts Centre.
Coventry Moves on 5 June 2021 will kick-start a Summer of Surprises which will also feature events previously announced by the Trust.
This includes Tides Within Us, an outdoor experience in Charterhouse Heritage Park, a celebration of community radio and a major Sound Systems event showcasing Coventry’s rich cultural links with Kingston, Jamaica.
This update follows a series of programme announcements last month.
Further announcements and details about tickets becoming available are expected later in April.