Coventry Rocks recognised in 2021 UK City of Culture Celebrations

Coventry Moves launches City of Culture celebrations

The official launch event, Coventry Moves, took place on 5 June 2021 and marked the beginning of the city’s year-long cultural programme.

The dawn-to-dusk performance was designed to bring the city together while still respecting post-pandemic restrictions. Residents were encouraged to watch online or experience elements of the event from their doorsteps.

A highlight of the day was the appearance of 14 modern-day Lady Godivas on horseback, each representing a person who had made a positive impact on the community. Jess McLish was nominated as one of the riders in recognition of her work supporting families and promoting local activities through Coventry Rocks.

The event also featured a dramatic cavalcade of classic cars and a specially created audio soundscape that travelled through the city.

A community celebration during challenging times

City of Culture events in 2021 were heavily adapted to reflect the realities of the pandemic, with organisers focusing on outdoor, digital and socially distanced experiences that could safely involve local residents.

Despite the challenges, the programme succeeded in bringing art, culture and community activity into neighbourhoods across Coventry.

For Jess, Coventry Rocks and the wider team at My Town Rocks, being recognised for the event was a special moment that celebrated the role of community initiatives during a difficult year.

Other highlights across Coventry in June 2021

June saw a number of major events and installations take place across the city as part of the City of Culture programme.

• Assembly Festival Garden opened in the city centre, hosting performances including the popular stage show The Choir of Man.
• Coventry Welcomes (14–20 June 2021) celebrated the city’s status as a City of Sanctuary during Refugee Week.
• In Paint We Trust, a large-scale street art project created in partnership with Coventry BID, continued transforming walls and public spaces across the city with new murals.
• Observations on Being, a multi-sensory installation at Charterhouse Heritage Park, invited visitors to explore immersive audio-visual experiences.
• The winner of the 2021 International Booker Prize was announced from Coventry, further placing the city on the global cultural stage.

Reflecting on the Coventry Moves event, Jess shared her excitement about being involved in such a significant moment for the city.

“What a day! Thank you to everyone who followed the Coventry Moves event – it was an epic day. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces and waves. Coventry, you are awesome!

Thank you to everyone who made it possible - the Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 team were incredible, as were the brilliant team at The Knights of Middle England. It was an absolute privilege to be involved.”

Helping Coventry families discover things to do

Coventry Rocks is a website designed to help families quickly find events, activities, classes and places to go with children across Coventry and the surrounding area.

The site is part of the wider My Town Rocks network of family activity guides across the UK, each run locally and focused on helping parents discover great things to do close to home.

Visit Coventry Rocks to explore upcoming events, family attractions and ideas for days out with the kids in Coventry.

Read more on the BBC: Lady Godivas to help launch Coventry UK City of Culture 2021

Read more on the Guardian: Cars, bicycles … and 14 Lady Godivas: Coventry kicks off year of culture