TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY!
Christmas is coming to Coventry in style this year, with preparations in full swing for a bigger and better celebration than ever. It’s an important time of year for the council, and traders alike to bring thousands of people into the city centre. The Christmas lights have already been installed and the big switch on is next Monday. That’s followed five days later, by the annual Christmas market and this year is extra special, with the addition of a giant 100 foot Ferris wheel.
The Christmas Tree has already been set up in preparations for the Christmas market.
John Hogan, the city events manager at Coventry city council, spoke about the plans for the Christmas period in the city centre: “This year Coventry residents have a magical Christmas Lights switch on event to enjoy, plus a spectacular big wheel and the Christmas market.”
The grand celebrations start on the Monday evening with the popular band Stray Santa’s performing all along Broadgate accompanied by illuminated angels and bouncing elves. Freeman Dance, one of the most successful dance schools in the UK, will be performing for 10 minutes as well. The excitement doesn’t stop there as the residential magical fairy will fly over the crowd to light up the entire city centre as well as the Christmas tree.
Mr. Hogan further added details about the Christmas lights and when you should arrive, “The free Christmas Lights Switch On is taking place on Monday 13 November in Broadgate and starts at 5:30pm. A Christmas fairy will be switching on the lights and swooping above the crowd scattering magic dust.”
The Christmas market will be open every day and will be situated all around the city centre. Christmas delicacies will be omnipresent with multiple shops selling Bratwursts, corn dogs and mulled wine. Desserts like Yorkshire pudding, crepes and churros will also be aplenty.
Decorations at the Lower Precinct
Life sized Nutcracker statues.
The market’s grand opening is on November 18th and after that stalls and the giant ferris wheel will be open every day. Mr. Hogan further added, “Those riding the wheel will see stunning views of the city’s skyline. Our three spires will be visible from the top of the wheel and will be floodlit from dusk.” The Ferris wheel is planned to be set up in the centre of the Christmas market right in front of the Lady Godiva statue.
Travis, working at the Tennessee Fried Chicken stall in the Christmas market said, “I love Christmas and the Christmas market and it’s my favourite time of the year.” He further added, “The market gets extremely busy in the evenings, so I would plan accordingly.”
There is truly a sense of joy and celebration in the streets of Coventry, and it all starts this Monday. Be sure to attend the light show and the market as it will definitely have something for everybody.
