MARC Almond, Clean Bandit and Ocean Colour Scene are set to headline this year’s Godiva Festival.
Across the weekend of Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6, War Memorial Park will play host to Coventry’s flagship event with a line-up covering genres from pop to rock and two-tone to hip hop.
Headlining the Main Stage on the Friday will be Marc Almond, best known as the vocalist of Soft Cell, who rose to prominence with the worldwide hit Tainted Love.
Selling over 30 million records worldwide, Marc cemented his solo career with number one hit Something’s Gotten a Hold of My Heart.
Joining the Main Stage for the 80s and 90s night will be synth-pop band Heaven 17, plus soul singer and M People vocalist Heather Small.
Multi award winning band Clean Bandit will headline the Main Stage on the Saturday.
The chart-topping band, known for their songs Rockabye, Symphony and Rather Be, will close the Saturday night of the festival with a live music set. The band have had four number one singles, as well as a Grammy and an Ivor Novello award.
Getting the crowd ready for the headliner on Saturday will be popular DJ Nathan Dawe, hip hop duo Young T & Bugsey, as well as the Panjabi Hit Squad who will bring hip hop, Bollywood and bhangra anthems.
Coventry musical legend Neville Staple, one of the founders of The Specials, will also take to the Main Stage on the Saturday.
Completing the headline acts is Ocean Colour Scene, who will bring the festival to a close on the Sunday evening. The rock band formed in Birmingham in 1989 and are known for their hits The Day We Caught the Train and The Riverboat Song.
Joining the band on the Main Stage will be Rick Parfitt Jr & The RPJ Band and YolanDa Brown: Bob Marley Songbook. Dance group Diversity will be making a return to the Main Stage after they last performed at the event in 2023.
Coun Abdul Salam Khan, Coventry City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for events, said: “This year’s line-up sees international superstars taking to our stages at the War Memorial Park in Coventry alongside some of the city’s up and coming finest musical talent.
“As always, our line-up is diverse and covers a broad range of genres. We have something for everyone – there’s music, performers, activities and outdoor entertainment.
“Events such as Godiva Festival rely on the incredible support of those who purchase tickets and attend. By coming along and enjoying what’s on offer, you’re playing a vital role in securing its future at a time when festivals across the UK are facing challenges.
“The festival is incredible value for money with ticket prices frozen for 2025. Godiva Festival gives residents the opportunity to see top acts at just a fraction of the price when compared to similar events. I urge those interested in attending to purchase tickets when they go on sale at 9am on Monday March 31 at the early bird prices.”
The Cov Stage will serve as the secondary stage in the music field at this year’s event. The stage will host local Coventry talent plus other acts.
The Godiva Festival Family Field will feature live entertainment and interactive activities.
Adult day tickets start at £7.50 at the early bird price, whilst family day tickets can be purchased from £22.50. Adult weekend tickets can be purchased from £26 whilst the early bird price is available. Go CV+ members will also be able to benefit from super concession prices.
Visit www.godivafestival.com for more information and tickets, which will be available to buy at 9am on Monday (March 31).
