With Coventry being awarded the City of Culture for 2021, there’s no better time to explore the fantastic city in central England.

There’s a whole host of exciting activities and events planned this Summer so why not enjoy all the city has to offer?

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve selected our top picks of the planned activities as part of the City of Culture celebrations that are not to be missed:

1. Coventry Welcomes 2021 (Monday 14th June – Sunday 20th June)

Image source: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/coventry-welcomes-2021/

Coventry Welcomes Festival is a week-long festival celebrated within the framework of the National Refugee Week.

Returning in 2021, the event offers a chance to explore the lives of refugees seeking sanctuary and those who have welcomed them throughout the generations.

Designed to celebrate the people of Coventry, the events span genres and include some of the things we enjoy most, music, dance, drama, food, literature, poetry, workshops, storytelling and much more, embracing diversity in all its forms.

To view the full programme, head to the Coventry City of Culture website.

2. Midsummer Fire Gardens (Friday 25th June – Saturday 26th June)

Image source: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/midsummer-fire-gardens/

Enjoy an intimate, magical and fiery spectacle that will light up Caludon Castle this June as part of a Summer of Surprises.

In 1595, it’s believed that the site of Caludon Castle hosted the first performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As the sun sets this Summer, this historic site will flicker to life and transform the grounds of the castle into a place of wonder as you wander through, or stand and watch, always close enough to feel the heat.

The event is suitable for all ages and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. There is a maximum of 4 tickets per booking.

3. Pride – Classically Queer (Saturday 17th July)

Image source: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/pride-classically-queer/

For the month of Harmony join Coventry Pride in the Cathedral ruins for a special performance of classical and contemporary music, celebrating the best of LGBTQI+ musicians in the region.

Inspired by the story of gay composer, Benjamin Britten, who wrote the War Requiem op.66 for the consecration of the new Cathedral in 1962, this new Queer music ensemble will play together in Coventry for the first time ever.

Classically Queer is commissioned and produced by Coventry City Of Culture Trust in partnership with Coventry Pride and supported by Coventry Cathedral.

You can choose to pay either £3, £5, £10 for your ticket.

4. RCTA Coventry Year of Culture Floating Market (Saturday 26th June – Sunday 27 June)

Image source: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/rcta-coventry-year-of-culture-floating-market/

Roving Canal Traders are back for a two day Floating Market to join in Coventry’s Year of Culture celebrations.

On Saturday the Floating Market will be making an appearance, then on Sunday you can experience the Floating Market plus live music and land stalls.

5. Big Tent Ideas Festival (Saturday 10th July)

Image source: https://coventry2021.co.uk/what-s-on/big-tent-ideas-festival-2021/

At the Big Tent Ideas Festival, you’ll meet local communities, politicians, visionaries, inspirational entrepreneurs and national and local leaders. As well as encounter new perspectives and build new relationships.

At the event, you’re encouraged to engage with and challenge political, social and business leaders, explore and understand the groundbreaking technologies and innovations set to transform the country and ultimately play a part in shaping the future.

Stay in the City of Culture

Coombe Abbey Hotel is the perfect base if you’re planning to explore what’s in store as part of the Coventry City of Culture celebrations.

Our historic hotel is surrounded by character and comfort. Each of our bedchambers are unique, not only because of their history and personality, but also due to their soft furnishings and beautiful views.

During your stay with us, explore our 500 acres of parkland, taste delicious freshly prepared food or test your nerve on our tree top adventure at Go Ape. Whatever you’re interested in, there’s an experience for everyone at Coombe Abbey.

We hope we have given you a better idea about what to expect this Summer as part of the Coventry City of Culture celebrations and why Coombe Abbey is the ideal place to come back to after an exciting day in the city centre.