With only 68 days remaining before ‘The Big Day’, Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) is leading the way in announcing its festive season and the host of special Christmas activities set to hit the city.
1. Christmas Lights Switch On: 20th November
Always a highlight of the festive season and a sign that Santa is well and truly on his way! Wrap up warm, gather your family and friends, and head into Coventry to enjoy the annual switch on. This year the BID are working with Coventry City Council, who will produce and organise the evening, and this also starts off the late night opening in Coventry city centre. There will be free parking after 3pm in all Council car parks, West Orchards and Lower Precinct.
2. ‘Yule Love Food’: 21st-24th November
As the title suggests, this weekend will centre around food and drink, incorporating stalls selling all kinds of festive fare, tempting treats and gorgeous gifts.
There will also be a tasty food and drink offering running from 23rd November until the 22nd December in Broadgate, which will feature a cosy cabin for shoppers to rest their weary feet and enjoy some festive food in comfort! Regular businesses will also be showcasing their wares in the cabin so you can pop in and enjoy the atmosphere.
3. ‘Yule Love Shopping’: 30th November-1st December
Those looking to get all their Christmas gifts purchased early can head into Coventry to pick up some bargains on Black Friday and also be in with a chance of winning a gift for yourself with a special giveaway that’s running across the weekend.
4 & 5. ‘Yule Love Music’: 6th-8th & 20th-22nd December
With live performances and DJ sets organised by Sandra Godley, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to come into the city and soak up the festive atmosphere.
6. ‘Yule Love Family Fun’: 14th & 15th December
At Christmas, spending time with your loved ones is always at the top of the list, so this is a perfect opportunity to gather everyone together and head into the city to celebrate. The highlight of this weekend involves a lantern competition in which 10 local primary schools will take part. Finalists will be narrowed down on the Saturday, with the winners being announced on the Sunday and all the lantern designs are to be displayed in West Orchards Shopping Centre right through the festive period. It’s also a perfect excuse to enjoy spotting the 24 Christmas trees delivered by Coventry BID throughout the city centre.
Trish Willetts, Coventry BID Director, said: “There’s so much going on in our fantastic city across the festive season and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate with us. We start in spectacular fashion when the Christmas Lights event adds some extra sparkle to Coventry city centre and continue with our #YuleLoveCov events.
“There’s something for everyone, from family activities to great music and delicious food and drink, which is sure to keep all the Christmas shoppers fuelled throughout the weeks leading up to the big day!”
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, added: “We are working with a number of partners and organisations, including the BID and the City of Culture Trust, to deliver an enjoyable programme of festive events and activities, including the big Christmas Lights Switch On event on 20 November.
“We want people to come into the city to shop and enjoy the food and drink offer to make the most of their time here. By coming together in such a way, it also demonstrates our One Coventry approach to deliver a better city for everyone to enjoy.”