Stay safe this weekend, as Godiva Festival returns to Coventry
Police say they're working to keep festival-goers safe
Godiva Festival 2024 is back in Coventry and police say they're working to keep festival-goers safe this weekend.
Godiva Festival is returning to Coventry this weekend and police say they're working with festival organisers, to make sure music fans have a safe and enjoyable time.
This year marks 25 years of the Coventry festival, which over the past two decades has seen thousands of music fans head to War Memorial Park, to enjoy three days of live music with their family and friends.
West Midlands Police says it's working closely with the festival organisers and local businesses again this year, to make sure festival-goers stay safe this weekend.
They’re reminding those heading to Godiva that they can help play a part by staying alert and reporting anything that doesn’t feel right to security or police straight away.
Project Servator deployments also regularly take place across the city centre to disrupt a range of criminal activity.
High-visibility and plain clothed officers are specially-trained to spot the tell-tale signs someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance, or about to commit a crime.
The deployments can pop up anywhere, at any time, so don’t be alarmed if you see extra officers in the city or around the festival footprint.
Officers will always be happy to explain more about why they’re there and there’s nothing to worry about if you see an increased police presence in the city.
Superintendent Emma Spencer, from West Midlands Police, said: “We’re working closely with the organisers of Godiva to keep festival-goers safe this weekend and make sure everybody heading to Coventry has a fantastic time.
“You can help by staying alert and vigilant while you’re out and about.
"If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and tell security or police straight away.
“It’s really important to report suspicious behaviour straight away, so don’t wait for someone else to do it.
"You’ll never be wasting our time and we’ll always take reports seriously.
“Have a great time at the festival and thank you for playing your part in keeping everyone safe this weekend.”
Leader of Coventry City Council, George Duggins, added: “Godiva Festival is the highlight of our city’s event calendar.
"Every year it promises to be a fantastic weekend, and whilst we aim to host a spectacular event for our audience, our number one priority is always the safety of those on site.
“The festival site is safe environment for festivalgoers of all ages and there will be extensive security and police onsite over the weekend.
"Bag checks are in place upon arrival and those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or over.
“We have zero tolerance for drugs onsite and strongly encourage attendees to report any suspicious behaviour to security or police or seek assistance if needed.”
First aid stations can be found across the festival site plus a Welfare Hub which is located on the main field.
Those attending with children are encouraged to use the child safe wristbands once on site in the event of becoming separated from their child.