Coventry’s annual Peace Festival returns this November to celebrate the city’s ongoing work of promoting peace, tolerance and friendship.
The festival highlights Coventry’s role as a City of Peace and Reconciliation – for which it is recognised internationally – and runs from 1 – 14 November.
Many events and activities that are on offer for adults and children are free to attend and will be held both in the city centre and other areas across Coventry.
Get crafty with WATCH Charity by making peace lamps and salt clay doves or get moving with Coventry Ambassadors as they take you on the ‘Step into Peace’ guided walk around the city.
The Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture takes place on Friday 10 November at St Mary’s Guildhall. It will see a fascinating talk from Marc Gwamaka, who is responsible for Aegis Trust‘s day-to-day national youth leadership programmes in Rwanda.
The annual Poppy Drop will be taking place on Armistice Day on Saturday 11 November in West Orchards Shopping Centre at 11am. During the 2-minute silence, 4,000 poppies drop from the dome of the shopping centre to commemorate the fallen.
A key part of the festival each year is the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade which takes place at the War Memorial Park on Sunday 12 November at 10.45am. This is followed by the Communal Grave Service at London Road Cemetery at 3pm.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader, Coventry City Council, said,“It’s inspirational to see all the work that happens each year in our city to promote peace and understanding.
“This annual festival really brings people together and is a chance for many faiths, cultures and communities to get together and celebrate Coventry’s message of peace and reconciliation.“As always, there are some brilliant events from local charities and organisations to get involved in. You’ll find everything from blub planting and poetry writing to craft and mindfulness workshops available.
“I’d like to encourage people to enjoy what’s on offer which will hopefully inspire others to promote peace further afield.”
Find out more about the Coventry Peace Festival and see the full programme of activities and events.