City's 100ft big wheel and Christmas market return

[dutchman]

The big wheel will be open from 10:00 GMT until 23:00 GMT every day until 4 January, except for Christmas Day



Coventry's Christmas market and big wheel are set to return to the city centre this weekend.

The 100ft (30 metre) observation wheel will open on Saturday, offering rides to adults and children throughout the day and evening in Broadgate.

The opening coincides with the city's Festival of Christmas, running from 15:00 and 20:00 GMT and offering festive-themed activities as well as the opportunity to meet Santa.

Coventry City Council said the wheel and market would operate every day until Sunday 4 January, with the exception of Christmas Day.

The wheel will be open from 10:00 GMT until 23:00 GMT.

Coventry City Council will be offering free parking for entry after 15:00 GMT on the following dates in council-run city centre car parks:

• Saturday 22 November
  
  
• Saturday 20 December
  
  
• Monday 22 December
  
  
• Tuesday 23 December

Councillor Patricia Hetherton said: "The arrival of our big wheel, Christmas market and Festival of Christmas really does mark the beginning of the festive season here in Coventry.

"Our festive lights will be switched on for our Festival of Christmas event, and they can be enjoyed by visitors whilst they are spending time in our city centre shopping or enjoying time in restaurants and bars and entertainment venues."

[dutchman]

We had a Christmas Market in Spon End once. It's never been repeated though and probably never will?

[dutchman]

Big wheel and Christmas Market appear in Coventry ahead of weekend opening



Images captured this week show Christmas is underway here Coventry. Finishing touches are being added to Broadgate as we speak, with the return of the festive big wheel and Christmas market.

It comes as the city is dealing with the first cold snap of the winter, bringing a picturesque festive frost to proceedings before the city centre is taken over with a Festival of Christmas.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Events, Coventry City Council said: "Last year's Festival of Christmas event received a huge amount of positive feedback from those who attended, so we've decided to host the event again this winter."

The ' Christmas Dreams' themed Council-run event will feature a snow lion, swan pedalo, seven-foot singing robins and other enchanting characters to entertain all ages from 3pm to 8pm across the city centre.

The festivities will take place in various locations across the city, including University Square, Cathedral Ruins, Upper Precinct, Broadgate, Smithford Way, Market Way and Hertford Street. The Christmas market and big wheel will also be open in Broadgate, offering a range of festive food, drinks and gifts.

Father Christmas will be making special appearances during regular shows by local theatre company Ego, alongside multi-sensory storytelling by Talking Birds. The popular Snow Globe Fairy also makes a return this year, accompanied by Fire and Ice sculpture demonstrations and Spark – the much-loved illuminated drummers.

Free parking will be available after 3pm on 22 November in Council-run city centre car parks, as well as on Saturday 20, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/whats-on-news/big-wheel-christmas-market-appear-32919978

[dutchman]

Didn't spot any signs of Christmas in town today except for Christmas cards on sale in the market.

Morrisons was rammed yesterday but I think that had more to do with next week's budget rather than Christmas?

[dutchman]

Festival of Christmas deemed 'perfect start to the winter season' in Coventry



Coventry's Festival of Christmas has been hailed as 'the perfect start to the winter season' after thousands braved the rain to enjoy the opening of the city's festive offering. Thousands flocked to the city centre on Saturday (22 November) despite appalling weather conditions.

The event saw the opening of the Big Wheel and Coventry's Christmas market, with a host of events and performances to keep visitors happy and entertained. They were treated to live music, dancing dolphins, kaleidoscopic drummers, a living snow globe and lots more.

Festivities took place across the city centre, including University Square, Cathedral Ruins, Upper Precinct, Broadgate, Smithford Way, Market Way and Hertford Street.

A theme of 'Christmas Dreams' aimed to bring all the magic of the festive season to Coventry, getting everyone feeling festive as we enter winter.

Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said “This year’s Festival of Christmas was the perfect start to the winter season in Coventry.

"I’d like to thank all of our partners and attendees who made it such a special, magical event. This is only the start, and Coventry has plenty to offer this festive season.

"From our Big Wheel and Christmas Market to our fantastic selection of shops, there’s something for everyone.

"So, I would encourage everyone to head into the City Centre and see what is on offer.“

According to the council's website, the market is 'better than ever' with an improved layout and a new fire pit. It will be on Broadgate until Sunday, 4 January, 11am to 8pm, Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/whats-on-news/festival-christmas-deemed-perfect-start-32940259