COVENTRY’S annual Christmas lights switch-on may have been cancelled this year because of Tier 3 restrictions but there’s still festive cheer aplenty in the city centre – and free parking after 3pm.
Along with shop window portraits of 21 lockdown heroes nominated in the #CovHeroes project and Coventry Glides in the Cathedral ruins, a giant Christmas Tree and a canopy of star lights have been newly installed providing a focal centre-piece in Broadgate. Several other lighting displays are also adding some festive sparkle across the city centre.
To support non-essential shops and other businesses in the run-up to Christmas, Coventry City Council has again introduced free car parking after 3pm in selected council-run city centre car parks.
Coun Patricia Hetherton, cabinet Member for city services said: “The weeks in the lead up to the Christmas holiday period are vitally important to local businesses, even more so during such a very difficult time. As last year, we have agreed to run our free car parking offer across selected council sites in the city centre as an incentive for shoppers to show their support to our city centre whilst at the same time reminding people to follow the guidelines and safety measures put in place to ensure a safe visit.
“We hope being able to have this beautiful lighting also brings an extra festive cheer to everyone and provides a pleasant backdrop to the festive period.”
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic the council and its partners are keen to emphasise that Christmas is not cancelled in the city centre. Many Coventry business owners have been adapting their buildings and shops to make them safe for Christmas shoppers with strict two-metre social-distancing guidelines in place. Face covering must also be worn where appropriate.
The Lady Mayor of Coventry, Coun Ann Lucas, said: “2020 has certainly been a challenging year for everybody and as we all continue to live with the restrictions, we still wanted to bring some festive feelgood factor and cheer to those who visit, work and live in the city centre in the lead up to Christmas.
“For Christmas 2020, we also wanted to acknowledge all those who on a daily basis have, and continue to, work hard to keep us all safe and having messaging to show our support is one such highly visible way to say thank you to them all.
“I’m disappointed, like many of you, in being unable to be part of the annual lights switch on event this year, however, I hope we can all continue to play our own role in supporting each other to stay safe whilst bringing some festive smiles to the city.”
For a full listing of what attractions and online activities are open or available this Christmas, go to visitcoventry.co.uk
