FOUR days of poignant events will be held to mark the 83rd anniversary of the Coventry Blitz.
On November 14, 1940, at least 554 people died during the bombing raids over Coventry, while around 1,000 more were injured.
The original cathedral Church of St. Michael was turned into a ruined shell of a building, and it later became a symbol of peace and hope recognised across the globe.
Now, the new Coventry Cathedral will host events remembering those at home and overseas who suffered and died in all wars.
Tomorrow (Saturday) there will be a candlelit concert of reflective music for Remembrance from 6pm as part of the Coventry Peace Festival, which will feature performances from The Parliament Choir.
Then at 10am on Remembrance Sunday, there will be a service of Holy Communion to remember those who have died in war and pray for peace.
At 4pm there will be a special service, where the Cathedral Choir will sing Fauré’s Requiem.
And on Tuesday, November 14, there will be a special vigil at the Cathedral ruins to mark the Blitz anniversary.
A Coventry Cathedral spokesperson said: “In the aftermath of that terrible night there were two choices -revenge or forgiveness.
“Provost Howard’s response to the destruction of the Cathedral was one of immediate forgiveness and of rebuilding the Cathedral as a beacon of hope for the future.
“All are welcome to join us for the Vigil for the Blitz Anniversary, as we remember all those who have died in war.
“To do so in a place that bears such visible scars is a powerful reminder of all the loss that war entails, and an encouragement to commit once again to live as people of peace in our city of reconciliation.”
