Full list of events as Coventry marks 84th anniversary of the Blitz

Next week marks the 84th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Thursday, November 14, 1940, was the night that saw devastation across Coventry and the destruction of the Cathedral Church of St Michael.

Provost Howard's response to the demolition of the cathedral was one of 'immediate forgiveness' and rebuilding the cathedral as a beacon of hope for the future, a message which still continues to this day.

Coventry Cathedral will mark this year's Blitz season with a series of events and services across this month. This includes a concert and lecturer as part of Coventry Peace Festive, an exhibition and film screening, and more.

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Below is a guide of the full list of events for the 84 anniversary of the Blitz commemorations.

1) The 'Moonlight Sonata Exhibition' - open until November 29

This is an exhibition of paintings inspired by Coventry's Blitz by Iain White, which shows the destruction, resilience, and stoicism of Coventry citizens in the face of such adversity. The exhibition is located behind the high altar, opposite the lady chapel, which visitors can view during cathedral opening hours.

2) Rossini: Petite Messe Solenelle - November 9

This event is part of Coventry's annual Peace Festival. Doors will open at 6pm, with the event from 7pm-9pm. Tickets are between £10-£20 and are suitable for all ages. Tickets will be sold on the door at £25, with the discounted price of £20 available in advance only. For ticket queries, contact Jill Pacey at tickets@coventrycathedralchorus.com or phone 01676 532436.

3) Remembrance Sunday Eucharist - November 10

Coventry Cathedral will join the nation in this service of Holy Communion for Remembrance Sunday from 10am to remember those who have died in war and pray for peace. There will be a two-minute silence in the ruins at 11am.

4) Faure's Requiem for those who have died in war - November 10

The cathedral choir will perform Gabriel Faure's Requiem, directed by Luke Fitzgerald and accompanied on the cathedral organ by David Rice in memory of victims due to worldwide conflicts. The event will be from 4pm-5pm.

5) Art on the Streets - November 13

Art on the Street is a documentary film about an exhibition called 'For Liberty' located on the bombsite of John Lewis's Oxford Street store by artists in 1943. The film highlights the work of the Artists International Association, a lot of whom were refugees from Eastern Europe.

The screening will be followed by a conversation with the film creator and guest speakers. It is a free event, and doors will open at 6:45pm for a 7pm start.

6) Solemn Evensong on the 84th anniversary of Coventry Blitz - November 14

The cathedral's choir will sing a service of Evensong to mark the 84th anniversary. The service will start at 5:15pm, followed by a Blitz Remembrance Vigil in the Cathedral Ruins at 6pm.

7) Remembrance Day Vigil - November 14

Visitors can join the evening gathering in the ruins at 6pm to commemorate Coventry’s Blitz.

For more information about this month's Coventry Blitz commemoration, click here.

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