It will be replaced by the Festival of Christmas
Coventry City Council has scrapped the annual Christmas light switch-on and said that increasing financial pressures mean they will 'not be able to do what we have done in the past.' It will, however, be bringing back festive favourites, such as the Big Wheel on Broadgate.
Organisers say the 100ft Big Wheel will be open from Friday, November 15, for people to ride throughout the day and into the evening. It will operate every day until Sunday, January 5, except for Christmas Day.
Stalls selling a range of festive food, drinks, and gifts will also be in place on Broadgate. Shoppers will be able to pick up festive gifts in the city centre while taking in a dazzling array of lights ahead of a new family-friendly event called the Festival of Christmas.
It will be taking place on the evening of Wednesday, November 20, the same day that late-night shopping begins in Coventry. Details are yet to be revealed, but people can expect a trail of festivities in locations around the city centre from 4pm to 9pm.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events at 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.”
Speaking about the Festival of Christmas, Cllr Khan said: “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.”
Residents will be able to pick up last-minute gifts with late-night shopping starting on Wednesday, November 20. Coventry City Council will be offering free parking for entry after 3pm on the following dates for a number of city-centre car parks, including on Spon Street, Gosford Street and Bishop Street:
- Wednesday, November 20
- Wednesday, November 27
- Wednesday, December 4
- Wednesday, December 11
- Wednesday, December 18
Cllr Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, said: “We are committed to having a Christmas offering in the city centre that residents can enjoy, and the financial challenges that we face mean we may not be able to do as much as we would like or what we have done in the past, but I am 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 is set to be a jam-packed six weeks for businesses and families alike. We are looking forward to the celebrations and making it another festive season to remember.”
