A glistening big wheel and Christmas market are set to return to Broadgate as part of the city’s Christmas offer.
The big wheel will be open from Friday 15 November for both adults and children to ride throughout the day and into the evening, whilst market stalls selling a range of festive food, drinks and gifts will be in place in Broadgate too.
Festive lights will be on in the city centre on the same day, ahead of a magical free family event, the Festival of Christmas.
The Festival of Christmas will take place on the evening of Wednesday 20 November, the same date that sees the start of late-night shopping in Coventry. Details are yet to be revealed but visitors can expect a trail of festivities in locations around the city centre from 4pm – 9pm.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, Coventry City Council said: “We are delighted to see the return of our popular Christmas market to Broadgate along with the big wheel which was enjoyed by so many last year. There will be no price increase for the big wheel – all ticket prices will remain the same as last year.
“This year the city centre will see a new event, the Festival of Christmas, which will be free to attend and will replace the traditional Christmas lights switch on.
“It will allow us to utilise our city space effectively and means everyone can enjoy the big wheel and Christmas market at the same time as our new Festival of Christmas, which I am sure will be a big hit with young people and families.”
Late night shopping will start on Wednesday 20 November. Coventry City Council will be offering free parking for entry after 3pm on the following dates in Council run, city centre car parks:
-
Wednesday 20 November 2024
-
Wednesday 27 November 2024
-
Wednesday 4 December 2024
-
Wednesday 11 December 2024
-
Wednesday 18 December 2024
Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, added: “The arrival of our big wheel, Festival of Christmas and Christmas market shows we are committed to having a Christmas offer in the city centre that residents can enjoy.
“The festive lights really do brighten our city centre. They can be enjoyed by those who are in the city centre in the evening late night shopping or spending time in Coventry’s restaurants and bars. The lights are used for a number of occasions including Remembrance Day and Christmas, as well as Diwali where lights will also be switched on along Foleshill Road.
“The financial challenges that we face as a council mean we may not be able to do as much as we would like or what we have done in the past, but I’m sure the offer will see people enjoy them whilst visiting the city centre.”
Joanne Glover, chief executive of Coventry BID, said: “Christmas is always a very special time in the city centre and it’s set to be a jam-packed six weeks for businesses and families alike.
“There will be plenty to see and do and we are looking forward to the celebrations and making it another festive season to remember.”
Supplied by The Giant Wheel Company, the wheel is over 100ft at its highest point, and provides stunning views of the city.
Subject to planning permission approval, the wheel and markets will open to the public on Friday 15 November. The wheel and markets will operate every day until Sunday 5 January, except Christmas Day.
The city’s Christmas offer is being delivered by Coventry City Council in partnership with Visit Coventry and Coventry BID.
More details about the Festival of Christmas, the big wheel and Christmas market will be revealed soon.