SHOPPERS in Coventry city centre are set to enjoy a festive season packed with events.
The Christmas lights will be lit up on November 20, in a switch-on ceremony put on by Coventry City Council. The evening will have late-night shop opening and free parking from 3pm in council car parks and West Orchards.
A ‘festive foodie weekend’ will be held November 21 to 24, with stalls selling seasonal fare and unique gifts.
Broadgate will be swathed in seasonal themes, with a ‘cosy cabin’ providing a spot for weary shoppers to rest and find food, from November 23 to December 22.
Shopping special offers will be highlighted on November 30 and December 1, with a Coventry ‘Black Friday’ sale. The Business Improvement District (BID) will also be giving away gifts over the sales weekend.
Gospel singer Sandra Godley will curate music performances on December 6 to 8 and December 20 to 22, with musicians performing live and DJ sets in the city centre.
A weekend of family fun December 14 and 15 will culminate with a lantern competition, where 10 local primary schools will take part.
Finalists will be narrowed down on the Saturday (December 14), with the winners being announced on the Sunday and all the lantern designs are to be displayed in West Orchards Shopping Centre through the festive period.
The city centre will also be festooned with 24 Christmas trees brought in by the BID team.
Trish Willetts, Coventry BID director, said: “There’s so much going on in our fantastic city across the festive season and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate with us. We start in spectacular fashion when the Christmas Lights event adds some extra sparkle to Coventry city centre and continue with our festive events.
“There’s something for everyone, from family activities to great music and delicious food and drink, which is sure to keep all the Christmas shoppers fuelled throughout the weeks leading up to the big day!”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, cabinet member for events, added: “We are working with a number of partners and organisations, including the BID and the City of Culture Trust, to deliver an enjoyable programme of festive events and activities, including the big Christmas Lights Switch On event on November 20.
“We want people to come into the city to shop and enjoy the food and drink offer to make the most of their time here. By coming together in such a way, it also demonstrates our One Coventry approach to deliver a better city for everyone to enjoy.”
