Godiva Carnival details...

[dutchman]

Last year's procession passing Top Green on the Warwick Road

Dawn Of Godiva is the theme for this years Godiva Carnival and the summer spectacular features more than 1,500 people including 220 youngsters and more than 200 flag carriers representing the flags of the nations taking part in next years London Olympics.

There will be sun imps and fiery imps on the city streets and spectators can expect a dazzling display of dancers, musicians and performers in vivid costumes aboard floats and on foot creating a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour and sound.

The procession starts in the city centre and heads to the Godiva Festival at the War Memorial Park.

Many of the striking costumes have been designed by international award-winning carnival designer Brian McFarlane and created by 160 people at four carnival camps throughout Coventry at Willenhall, Radford, Wood End and Far Gosford Street.

Coventrys Lady Godiva Pru Porretta will also be making a special appearance wearing a new clock designed by carnival organisers Coventry-based Imagineer Productions.

It will be emblazoned with the faces of famous human rights and peace activists and Lady Godiva will be escorted by the Godiva Sisters.

Jane Hytch, of Imagineer Productions, says: Godiva Carnival 2011 will celebrate the values of both Godiva and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A giant Lady Godiva will travel by pedal power from Coventry to London next year for the Olympics.

Jane says: We hope Godiva carnival 2011 will signal the awakening of Godiva in 2012 and the journey she will take to play her part on behalf of the city and region in the London 2012 celebrations.

Godiva Carnival Route

Starts at 1pm tomorrow at University Square.

* The procession route includes Priory Street, Bayley Lane, Earl Street, High Street, Broadgate, Trinity Street, Millennium Place, Hales Street, Corporation Street, Queen Victoria Road, Greyfriars Road, Warwick Row and Warwick Road past Top Green. It is expected to arrive at War Memorial Park via the Ceremonial Gates around 2.30pm.