Thousands descend on Coventry for the first-ever Festival of Christmas

Jaspreet Kaur

21 November 2024 at 3:59 pm·2-min read

Thousands enjoyed the Festival of Christmas on Wednesday — -Credit: (Image: Coventry City Council/Aaron Law)

Thousands descended on Coventry to enjoy the first-ever Festival of Christmas. It was held in the city centre yesterday evening (Wednesday, November 20).

Families enjoyed a captivating array of performances, including a mesmerising aerialist and a festive comedy show as part of the 'jam-packed' Festival of Christmas. It was held across the city centre, including on Broadgate and Millennium Place.

Visitors were also greeted by roaming performers and festive characters throughout the evening, including huge living lampposts and vibrant drumming processions from the LED drumming group Spark! Cllr Abdul Salam Khan hailed the event as 'fantastic.'

Residents shared their enjoyment on Facebook, with one saying the Christmas-themed event was 'full of fun.' Yesterday (November 20) also marked the start of late-night shopping in the city as well as the opening of the Vintage Sleigh Ride at Coventry Transport Museum.

Spark! performed in Coventry as part of the Festival of Christmas -Credit:Coventry City Council/Aaron Law

Shoppers will be eligible for free parking in the city centre every Wednesday until Christmas Day. It will be in place for entry after 3pm on the following dates in November and December:

Wednesday, November 27
Wednesday, December 4
Wednesday, December 11
Wednesday, December 18

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events at Coventry City Council, said: “So many people joined us in the city centre for the Festival of Christmas. We are so pleased so many people were able to enjoy it.”

He added: “It was perfect for families and allowed everyone to enjoy performances at significant locations around the city centre, including the Cathedral Ruins and Millennium Place. I hope to continue to see people heading into the city centre to enjoy the Big Wheel and late-night shopping.”

Coventry City Council said the 100ft Big Wheel and Christmas Market will be in place on Broadgate until Sunday, January 5. Stalls will be selling a range of festive food, drinks, and gifts and will be open every day except Christmas Day.

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