COVENTRY celebrated its diverse heritage while paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in a poignant ‘Dame Goodyver’s Daye’ last Friday.
The free event saw a procession from the Lady Godiva statue in Broadgate to Priory gardens, which was led by a lone Scottish bagpiper and a Royal British Legion standard bearer.
In a touching tribute, three teenagers carried a special flag in memory of The Queen.
An African Drummer played in the procession which featured 50 Godiva sisters from different cultures.
Over 70 Coventry Young Ambassadors from over 10 schools also took part with their decorated umbrellas, along with several councillors and Lord Mayor of Coventry, Coun Kevin Maton.
Overall, over 150 school children and young people from 17 different schools were part of the day, including 20 children with additional needs.
Tributes to The Queen included a two-minute silence observed when people arrived at the gardens, and there was also a prayer from the Lord Mayor.
A speech explained the legacy and drew some similarities between Lady Godiva and Queen Elizabeth II.
Faith leaders from different religions then joined together in a blessing before the food from around the world was shared out.
Dame Goodyver’s Daye was first celebrated in Coventry in the 1400s.
Coventry’s Lady Godiva, Pru Porretta, said: “The whole day was fabulous, it was originally planned to be more of a carnival-style day but we managed to keep the balance between remembrance, hope and unity.
“We managed to celebrate Godiva and her impact while also remembering The Queen and her love of unity through her love of the Commonwealth.
“The weather began quite solemn and gloomy but as soon as the children began dancing the sun came out – it was magical.
“It’s part of the beauty of having young people involved as they bring joy and hope for the future with them.
“It was a lovely day where we could come together in unity and remember people we’ve lost.”
