Coventry City of Culture delayed until May due to coronavirus

Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture has been delayed to start in May 2021, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the organisation team, starting in May instead of the beginning of the year will “allow a fuller programme of public events”.

The Coventry City of Culture Trust have also announced the first details of a signature event, described as a “mass city-wide celebration” that will be co-created with thousands of residents of all ages.

It will be directed by the internationally-renowned Nigel Jamieson and the Belgrade Theatre’s Deputy Artistic Director Justine Themen.

The remainder of the yearly programme will be announced later this year.

Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry 2021, said: “We are delighted that we will be able to have a year of
celebration – a time when the city and country need it most – and that the dates are now set in stone.

“The current crisis has hit our city, our region and our sector hard. Coventry 2021 will attract visitors to our city – creating an economic boost for the region – and will support artists locally.

“It will be a wonderful opportunity for the people of Coventry to celebrate and enjoy an incredible year of activity. With support and resources, the cultural community can play a significant role in the reset of the UK and we plan to shine a spotlight on culture’s important role in this recovery.”

Chenine Bhathena, creative director of Coventry 2021, said: “At this time of uncertainty, our determination to create
connections, memories and commit to making a change is unwavering and we are determined to create an amazing year.”

The current crisis has hit our city, our region and our sector hard. Coventry 2021 will attract visitors to our city – creating an economic boost for the region – and will support artists locally.

– Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry 2021

Councillor George Duggins, leader of Coventry City Council, 3 said: “Coventry has been preparing for its role as UK City of Culture since our name was announced in 2017, and the excitement has been building as the months have passed.

“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has obviously had a major impact on preparations. The year as UK City of Culture will put Coventry in the national and international spotlight.

“It is a fantastic opportunity, but we only have one chance to hold this wonderful title and it is vitally important that we are completely prepared when our time comes.

“The decision to delay the start of our year until May is absolutely the right move and will mean we are ready and able to welcome our many visitors and stage something special for people to talk about for years to come, as well as leave a lasting legacy for the people of our city.

“After these weeks of uncertainty, it is good that we now have definite date, and the excitement can start to build once more for what will be a spectacular year.”

The decision to push back the start was unanimous, and was jointly taken by the Trust and its partners, including Coventry City Council and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.