Coventry Blitz: week of remembrance events kick off on the 85th anniversary
It was a defining moment in the city's history
Coventry is coming together this week to mark eighty-five years since the Coventry Blitz - a moment that changed the city forever.
Events will be held across next weekend (14-16 November), remembering those who died and celebrating the city’s message of peace and hope.
People are being invited to join services, take part in tours, meet World War Two re-enactors and get involved in special activities like the Great Blitz Build, which will recreate a twenty-foot-high structure in Broadgate.
There's also a number of activities people have the opportunity to get involved with - which are being shared by the City Council.
This includes a new walking trail through Coventry on Saturday 15th, stopping off at some of the parts of the city worst-hit by the German raid back in 1940 - a bombing raid which, at the time, was known as Operation Moonlight Sonata.
You can book your place on this free walking tour here.
Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “Eighty-five years on, the memory of the Coventry Blitz still resonates deeply within our city. This anniversary is not only a time to honour the lives lost, but also to reflect on the spirit of resilience and to acknowledge the strength of the city.
“The weekend of remembrance invites us all to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. I encourage you all to take a look at what’s on offer across the city as we remember the fateful night of 1940.”
The commemoration highlights include:
- Civic Service and Vigil at the Cathedral, starting at 5.30pm on Friday 14
- Blitz tour of St. Marys Guidhall at 11am on Friday 14
- Meet WW2 costumed interpreters on Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16, 11am – 4pm each day
- Crafts, film showings and more from 10am at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum on Saturday 15
- The Great Blitz Build on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 in Broadgate.
The events also form part of the annual Coventry Peace Festival, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a place of peace, hope and unity.
Many of the activities being held over the weekend are free, including the Great Blitz Build, an opportunity to take part in building a 20ft high structure, resembling our Cathedral Ruins.
Full details of the programme, including times and locations, can be found on the official Coventry City Council website.