Coventry City of Culture: Further events added to the programme

It includes the first events at the Assembly Festival Garden

Author: Matt MaddrenPublished 2nd Jun 2021
Last updated 2nd Jun 2021

A circus spectacular and a music event will be the first shows that will take place in the Assembly Festival Garden this summer, the Coventry City of Culture Trust has announced along with a whole host of new programme activity.

Circolombia and Choir of Man are the first shows to be announced at the Assembly Festival Garden, a major new festival hub in the city centre that will present live theatre, cabaret and comedy.

The site will be run by Edinburgh Fringe favourites Assembly Festival and be a centrepiece for the city’s year of cultural celebrations opening, with Choir of Man opening on 1 July and Circolombia on 2 July.

Coventry’s Summer of Surprises continues with Midsummer Fire Garden in Caludon Castle Park on 25 & 26 June.

Also, Coventry Pride will present Classically Queer, a special performance of classical and contemporary music in the stunning setting of Coventry Cathedral Ruins celebrating the best of LGBTQI+ musicians in the region.

Starting from July, the Festival of Ideas will be a year-round programme of talks, debates and conferences confronting the big issues of our time.

It will see national and international collaborations with ground-breaking organisations presenting everything from political debate and citizens’ assemblies to intimate interviews. Programme announced today includes the Psychology of the City Summit, The Big Tent Ideas Festival 2021, and Made in the Midlands, a new podcast featuring interviews with well-known faces from the region.

The Trust has also added further events and detail to its flagship Green Futures programme, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, which works with local and global partners to connect communities with nature and heritage, grow social connections, and build green knowledge.

Flock Together challenges the underrepresentation of people of colour in nature on a series of scouted bird watching walks, and We Come Far is a Black led artist walk in green spaces to encourage wellbeing in men, especially those who are Black, Asian or from the global majority group.

Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director for Coventry City of Culture said:

“From our Summer of Surprises and the arrival of the Assembly Festival Garden in the city, Coventry is going to be buzzing with incredible experiences, events and activities. Whether you are from Coventry or visiting us for the first time, there are plenty of ways to get involved, see a show, and share some live experiences with family and friends in the coming months.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said:

“We’re really excited about the latest programme launch, in particular the return of planned live events, and we’re pleased that Coventry’s year is finally here for the community to enjoy.

“The first two events from the Assembly Festival Garden and Feile 2021 will inspire and excite audiences and will provide opportunities for new talent and leaders to emerge from the city.

"We know that arts and culture can play a key part in enhancing wellbeing, so we hope that experiencing world class arts and culture on their doorstop will be uplifting for local people.”

For more information or to buy tickets you can go to the city of culture website

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