Coventry Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
Godiva Festival hailed a great success
SO it came to pass that Godiva in all its glory would take place much later this year – a side effect of the Big Weekend.
Despite the gloomy September forecast, Coventry’s showpiece festival actually began in the dry and continued that way pretty much.
Kicking off with Cov Kozaks bedecked in the golden yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag – a flag that has become an international symbol of defiance and support.
I loved their folk-based sound and their unique interpretation of ‘Monkey Man’.
They were followed on the main stage by Godiva Calling metal winners Monastry who blew the crowd away with their own blend of rock music – a bright future awaits and there was even a marriage proposal by lead guitarist Josh Sellis to their lead singer Liv Gardener.
Idle Noise commanded the stage with their exquisite music and the Libertines didn’t disappoint.
Saturday began with a defining set from Danny Ansell Music and later The Dirt Road Band blew everyone away with their intelligent take on R‘N’B.
Neville Staples and his band just bought the house down with their authentic Ska patterns, with an inspiring and touching speech from Christine Staple remembering Neville’s grandson Fidel Glasgow who they lost from senseless knife crime almost four years ago.
I then checked out some great rap sets from Mugun and A1xJ1.
Over on the Hilltop stage, artists like King of The Alps and Matt Cattell presented their audiences with some introspective songs, written to delight (and they did).
Tom Grennan closed the Saturday night with a stunning performance – yes Tom does know how to put a show on! The place was buzzing.
Sunday Caitlin McCarthy was a highlight for me, who at 17 just owned the stage with her voice and stagecraft – this girl is heading for stardom.
Over on the Hilltop Stage, the museum’s poet in residence Nick Knibb was waxing lyrical about getting older and 2-Tone nostalgia, while old friends Crokodile Tears made many new fans.
Apache Indian got the main stage posse bouncing and Craig Charles gave us a superb funk and soul club set, the day (and event) ended with a predictable oldies set from Bananarama.
So another record-breaking Godiva, that included over 500 local artists, continuing the legacy of this fine festival which showcases local talent and helps put Coventry on the music map.
CVFolk at Motofest
CVFolk has been invited back to Coventry’s Motofest to take over one of the event’s two music stages.
You’ll find them on Coventry’ Upper Precinct, adjacent to Broadgate Island on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11, from midday to 5pm.
The inimitable Keith Donnelly starts the Saturday programme while superb Leamington trio Firedaze are first up for Sunday’s line-up.
The open-air shows also include appearances by Kevin Dempsey, The Redhills, Craig Sunderland, and a four-piece version of Mick Bisiker’s mighty folk-rock band, Rack and Ruin.
