Taking place from 1 to 16 November, this year’s Festival reflects Coventry’s proud role as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, with two weeks of inspiring events and activities which are free to attend.
This year’s programme marks a particularly poignant milestone – the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz – with events and activities reflecting on the city’s resilience, creativity and community spirit.
A highlight will be a monumental installation in the city centre, inspired by Coventry Cathedral using 1,300 specially made cardboard boxes crafted by people of Coventry. Standing around 20 metres tall, the structure will symbolise unity, remembrance and hope.
The Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture, delivered by Mandy Sanghera OBE, international human rights activist, will take place on Thursday 6 November at Coventry Cathedral. Her talk will explore her pioneering work supporting victims of honour-based violence and cultural abuse, and how communities can stand together against injustice.
Alongside these flagship events, festivalgoers can enjoy a range of creative and thought-provoking highlights:
- Coventry Multifaith Peace Walk (1 November), peace walk to celebrate interfaith week with a focus on social cohesion.
- Learn the Heritage Craft of Woodcarving (4 and 11 November) – a hands-on workshop inviting participants to carve their own dove of peace.
- Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade at War Memorial Park (9 November) – followed by the Communal Grave Service at London Road Cemetery.
- Cyber Peace: Skills for Navigating Misinformation (13 November) – a student-led discussion on digital peacebuilding, exploring how misinformation and propaganda shape our world.
- Civil Service and Vigil (14 November) – Coventry Cathedral will be hosting a moving civic service and vigil to mark the 85th anniversary of Coventry Blitz
- Reborn Phoenix (15 November) – and artistic collaboration inspired by George Wagstaffe’s sculpture, paying tribute to the courage and resilience of women during the Blitz.
- It Takes a City (15 November) – a moving promenade performance by Talking Birds telling the stories of bomb disposal crews during the Blitz and beyond.
Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “The Peace Festival reminds us of the power of community, creativity and compassion.
“As we mark 85 years since the Blitz, we reflect not only on our city’s past but also on our shared responsibility to build a peaceful future.
“I invite everyone to take part in this year’s Festival – to learn, to share and to celebrate Coventry’s spirit of peace and reconciliation.”
Across the two weeks, there will be a rich programme of free events co-ordinated by Coventry City Council, from creative workshops and walks to exhibitions and performances – many led by local charities, artists and community groups. Each event invites residents to come together to reflect, connect, and celebrate peace in all its forms.
Those who wish to support the build of the interpretation of the Cathedral can register their interest to take part in the Great Blitz Build on the Coventry City Council website.
For more details on Peace Festival and a full list of events, visit the Peace Festival webpage.