COVENTRY City Centre was in a jubilant Jubilee mood today as they delivered a marvellous exhibition of art, music and culture.
The city centre had two specially built stages- one in Broadgate and one outside Coventry Central Library- where people could enjoy a wealth of superb artists and bands performing music including rock, hip hop and R&B.
The Coventry Music Junior Voices Choir performed “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” on the Broadgate stage, as well as a song dedicated to the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
The sun shone through the clouds during the choir’s performance as a rapturous crowd cheered on.
The HMV Empire balcony was transformed into a DJ and singing booth, where people could enjoy a range of local acts.
The HMV Empire balcony was transformed into a musical hub.
Colin Bell, who was the producer on the HMV Empire stage, said: “It’s been fantastic that we’ve been able to get so much Coventry based talent on display for the Queen’s Jubilee.
“The City of Culture was great for local artists and I think it’s important that we are able to pick up the baton and move that forward with events like this.”
Local Reggae singer Fergie Greenspears was among the artists to perform on the HMV Empire balcony.
Local artist Fergie Greenspears.
Fergie, aka Steven Ferguson, first started performing 45 years ago during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year.
Today was the first time that he had performed for two years due to the impact of the pandemic, and he said that making his comeback during the Platinum Jubilee made the experience very sentimental for him.
Local 16-year-old DJ Callum was given the royal honour of performing on both the HMV Empire and Broadgate stages, masterfully mixing club classics including ‘Candy Shop’ and ‘Gimme the Light’.
City centre spectators were met with wonderful visitors draped in stunning costumes who entertained audiences with stilt walking, balloon making and lots of comedy.
Youngsters had a variety of treats to look forward to throughout the day including free arts and crafts workshops by Makendoo, who had a tent on Broadgate.
Makendoo provided an arts and crafts workshop for children to enjoy.
Makendoo founder Katy English said: “The workshops were very busy and the children loved making their jubilee hats and flags.
“A lot of them really enjoyed splashing the paint around and being as creative as they wanted.”
There was a children’s art trail where youngsters would attempt to find the five pictures that were positioned between the three music stages.
Coventry resident David Buckley said: “This event and the whole weekend has been well organised and there has been plenty of events to keep everyone entertained.
“The children have loved all of the different music on the three stages and they enjoyed the arts workshop too.”
Another woman added that it was great to see the community coming together and enjoying something as a collective after the pandemic.
