AN EMOTIONAL and action-packed Godiva Festival united the city in song on the iconic free music event’s 20th anniversary.
A total of about 115,000 people turned out across the three-day extravaganza.
A vibrant array of musical talent took to the stage including household names such as Ronan Keating, Professor Green and Jake Bugg.
A host of home-grown artists also showcased the best of the city’s cultural scene – with more than 80 Coventry and Warwickshire artists performing.
City 2-Tone icons, The Neville Staple Band, stole the show with an inspiring performance in the wake of the tragic passing of their grandson Fidel Glasgow, 21, who was fatally stabbed this weekend. The former Specials star produced a moving tribute with a performance of one of the band’s greatest hits – ‘A Message To You Rudy’.
His wife Christine spoke passionately, encouraging communities to come together to combat violent crime.
Saturday smashed the festival record for the highest number of visitors in one place at one time, with over 40,000 people seeing acts including Jonas Blue and Editors.
The diversity on show was widely praised with Coventry’s status as UK City of Culture 2021 already proving it can attract the most exciting artists, not just from the UK, but from across the globe.
There was fun for all the family with a number of new events taking place across the Memorial Park.
A spectacular Kinetika Bloco parade celebrated the City of Culture win, while the silent disco, a petting zoo and various comedy performances kept parents and children smiling.
Each of the six music stages offered something different, with various cultures represented and a multitude of genres to explore.
Councillor Abdul Khan, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for events, said: “Yet again Godiva Festival has delivered an amazing weekend for the city.
“We know the event attracts people from all over the country and is a great way to put the city on the map.
“As we build up towards Coventry City of Culture 2021, the excitement will only grow in the city and region as to what we can deliver together going forward.”
The UK City of Culture 2021 Team also programmed a stellar line up of events, with Sunday’s Rhythm Tent hosting performances from Asian Dub Foundation, Apache Indian and Afriquoi.
Emma Harrabin, programme manager for Coventry City of Culture 2021, said: “Godiva Festival has always been eclectic, but this year has seen an amazing cross section of artists, from world music, through Asian dance, ska and an incredible Stealing Sheep’s Suffragette Tribute performance. It really was a special year.
“It’s great that the excitement continues to build towards Coventry City of Culture 2021.”
Throughout the weekend, people took to Facebook and Twitter to say how much they enjoyed the event.
Metal icons Cradle of Filth said: “We had a fantastic time at Godiva Festival last night! Thanks to all who came to see our set.”
Jonas Blue, who posted a video of his performance on Instagram, commented “This is why I make music.”
