Coventry Book Extravaganza

Coventry Book Extravaganza

by | Nov 5, 2025 | Books, Community Events, Coventry, Events, News

Experience the Coventry Book Extravaganza, where the magic of words in print take centre stage at The Belgrade Theatre this April.

  • Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 | 10.30am – 4pm
  • Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation St, Coventry CV1 1GS
  • Price: FREE

Brought to you by local vintage events company Rosie’s Retro Bazaar and independent publishing house, Fantom. Immerse yourself in the universe of books as they bring together a diverse range of stalls, including:

  • Independent Publishers & Bookshops: Discover unique publications and support local literary ventures.
  • Fresh Talent & Local Authors: Meet up-and-coming writers and explore their latest works.
  • Comic Creators & Illustrators: Delve into the world of graphic storytelling and visual artistry.
  • Literary Societies & Publishing Services: Connect with organisations shaping the literary landscape.
  • Second-Hand & Antiquarian Book Dealers: Hunt for rare finds and literary treasures.
  • Book Crafts: Anything from bookmarks to bookends and book inspired tote bags to repurposed old books. Artistic license to free your imagination!
  • Prints & Paper Ephemera: Vintage printed materials such as posters and maps.
  • Stationery & Accessories: Browse through a selection of writing essentials and literary-themed accessories.
  • Merchandise & Memorabilia.

Whether you’re seeking hidden gems, eager to support local talent, or simply looking to indulge your inner bookworm, the Coventry Book Extravaganza promises something special for every book lover. Don’t miss out on this captivating literary event—it’s a celebration of words, creativity, and community!

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Nov 5, 2025 | , , , ,

Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 | 10.30am - 4pm Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation St, Coventry CV1 1GS Price: FREE Brought to you by local vintage events company Rosie’s Retro Bazaar and independent publishing house, Fantom. Immerse yourself in the universe of...

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Coventry Remembrance Sunday Parade

Coventry Remembrance Sunday Parade

by | Nov 5, 2025 | Community Events, Coventry, Events, News

Coventry annual Remembrance Service and Parade will take place on Sunday 9 November, beginning at 10.45am, at The Cenotaph in the War Memorial Park.  

Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade | Coventry War Memorial Park

  • Date: Sunday 9th November 2025 | 11:00 – 13:00 
  • Location: War Memorial Park in Coventry

The city’s War Memorial Park plays host to the city’s annual remembrance event which takes place by the Cenotaph in the park.

The service will honour and pay respect to those who lost their lives in the 2 World Wars and other conflicts throughout the world and will be led by The Right Reverend Sarah Jelley, Bishop of Coventry and all are invited. 

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Rachel Lancaster, who will take the salute, said: 

“The city’s annual Remembrance Day Service and Parade helps us remember, honour, and pay our respects to all those who have lost their lives due to wars or armed conflict.”    

“This service is always very important to the city and acts as a timely reminder for everyone as to why we continue to promote peace and reconciliation around the world and on this 85th Anniversary of the Coventry Blitz.”   

“As the numbers of people attending each year illustrates, we know how much the service in the War Memorial Park means to our residents and I’m sure this year’s’ service will be as well-attended as ever as we come together to mark the day.”  

Councillor Rachel Lancaster

Lord Mayor, Coventry City

The London Road Cemetery service on Sunday at 3pm, is also remembering those lost during the Coventry Blitz and the annual Poppy Drop is taking place in West Orchards Shopping Centre.

This year also marks the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz which took place on 14 November 1940. The city will come together, organising a range of public events and activities to not only commemorate the lives lost, and damage done to the city, but also mark the resilience and spirt of Coventry people who came together to rebuild their city. 

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Nov 5, 2025 | , , , ,

Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 | 10.30am - 4pm Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation St, Coventry CV1 1GS Price: FREE Brought to you by local vintage events company Rosie’s Retro Bazaar and independent publishing house, Fantom. Immerse yourself in the universe of...

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Stories of Peace

Stories of Peace

by | Oct 25, 2025 | Community Events, Coventry, Emerald Book Club, Events, Stories

 🌿 Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park 🌿

 Part of the Coventry Peace Festival 2025

 

🕊️ A Walk for Peace and Connection

What if stories could bring people closer, heal divisions, and inspire hope?
This November, Emerald Book Club invites you to experience just that at Red House Park, Coventry, as part of the Coventry Peace Festival 2025.

 

 

Red house park emeraldbookclub.org

Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park will offer residents a calm, creative, and inclusive space to connect, reflect, and celebrate Coventry’s identity as a City of Peace and Reconciliation.

The event encourages people from diverse backgrounds to come together outdoors, share personal stories, listen to others, and build mutual understanding. Through storytelling and poetry, participants will explore themes of peace, forgiveness, and unity in a way that strengthens empathy and social cohesion.

This activity promotes mental wellbeing by combining gentle movement, nature, and creative expression. It will also help reduce isolation by creating opportunities for conversation, friendship, and intergenerational connection in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

By fostering dialogue and respect through the shared power of words, Stories of Peace will strengthen community spirit and highlight the importance of peace and reconciliation in everyday life.

📖 Discover the Power of Shared Stories

Our event, Stories of Peace, is more than just a walk — it’s a journey through words, voices, and shared experiences.

As we stroll through the park’s peaceful paths, local storytellers and poets will share powerful tales and poems about peace, forgiveness, and unity.
Each stop along the walk will open a window into how storytelling connects us all — across generations, cultures, and communities.

💚 Be Part of Something Meaningful

Imagine spending an afternoon surrounded by nature, listening to stories that warm the heart and spark reflection.

Whether you want to listen, share, or simply be part of a peaceful moment, Stories of Peace is for you.
Together, we’ll celebrate Coventry’s proud legacy as a City of Peace and Reconciliation — and remind ourselves of the beauty found in every voice.

 

🌍 Join Us!

📅 Date: Saturday 8 November 2025
🕐 Time: 1–3 PM
📍 Location: Red House Park, Coventry
💫 Free Event | All Welcome | No Booking Required

Come walk with us.
Listen. Share. Connect.
Let’s tell stories that bring peace to our city — one step and one word at a time.

🔖 About the Coventry Peace Festival

The Coventry Peace Festival celebrates the city’s ongoing role as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, offering creative and community-led events that promote unity, understanding, and hope.

Emerald Book Club is proud to be part of this year’s programme with support from Coventry City Council.

Coventry Peace Festival 2025

Poems About Peace

Making Peace by Denise Levertov

A voice from the dark called out,
             ‘The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war.’
                                   But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can’t be imagined before it is made,
can’t be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
                                       A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
                                              A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses . . .
                        A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light—facets
of the forming crystal.

Peace Walk by William Stafford

We wondered what our walk should mean,
taking that un-march quietly;
the sun stared at our signs— “Thou shalt not kill.”
Men by a tavern said, “Those foreigners . . .”
to a woman with a fur, who turned away—
like an elevator going down, their look at us.
Along a curb, their signs lined across,
a picket line stopped and stared
the whole width of the street, at ours: “Unfair.”
Above our heads the sound truck blared—
by the park, under the autumn trees—
it said that love could fill the atmosphere:
Occur, slow the other fallout, unseen,
on islands everywhere—fallout, falling
unheard. We held our poster up to shade our eyes.
At the end we just walked away;
no one was there to tell us where to leave the signs.

Peace by George Herbert

Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,
Let me once know.
I sought thee in a secret cave,
And ask’d, if Peace were there,
A hollow wind did seem to answer, No:
Go seek elsewhere.

I did; and going did a rainbow note:
Surely, thought I,
This is the lace of Peace’s coat:
I will search out the matter.
But while I looked the clouds immediately
Did break and scatter.

Then went I to a garden and did spy
A gallant flower,
The crown-imperial: Sure, said I,
Peace at the root must dwell.
But when I digged, I saw a worm devour
What showed so well.

At length I met a rev’rend good old man;
Whom when for Peace

I did demand, he thus began:
There was a Prince of old
At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase
Of flock and fold.

He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save
His life from foes.
But after death out of his grave
There sprang twelve stalks of wheat;
Which many wond’ring at, got some of those
To plant and set.

It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse
Through all the earth:
For they that taste it do rehearse
That virtue lies therein;
A secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth
By flight of sin.

Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,
And grows for you;
Make bread of it: and that repose
And peace, which ev’ry where
With so much earnestness you do pursue,
Is only there.

Peace Poem by Alan Robertson

 

The Poem for Peace

 

Lay down the poppies let the white doves fly,

We all pray for peace is the new battle cry.

 

Heavy gun fire comes down overhead,

This never should happen as this shall be said.

 

Those guns and bullets that take all our young,

We all cry for peace let this song be sung.

 

Let’s lay down the guns, let’s lay down all arms,

So these noble young men can return to their cities and farms.

 

Peace now and forever is the new battle cry,

Repeating these words until the day I shall die.

 

A . W . Funston – Robertson

16-10-2024

 

Let Peace Prevail In This World by Ravi Sathasivam

When you look for peace
then the peace lies within you
When you search for peace
then it is not hard to find
When you want to keep peace alive
then you allow white doves to fly over you
When you make peace with others
then the whole world live in your heart
When you let peace be in the world
then you live in wonderful world
When you allow peace flow around the world
then your hateness will go and love will flow
When you open the door for peace
then peace welcome to your lives.
Let the peace prevail in our wonderful world

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Nov 5, 2025 | , , , ,

Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 | 10.30am - 4pm Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation St, Coventry CV1 1GS Price: FREE Brought to you by local vintage events company Rosie’s Retro Bazaar and independent publishing house, Fantom. Immerse yourself in the universe of...

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Coventry Peace Festival 2025

Coventry Peace Festival 2025

by | Oct 25, 2025 | Community Events, Coventry, Events

Celebrating Peace in Coventry: The Coventry Peace Festival 2025

Coventry peace festival 2025

The Roots of Peace

Every November, the city of Coventry pauses to remember. The Coventry Peace Festival marks not only the anniversary of the devastating Blitz of 14 November 1940, but also celebrates the city’s ongoing commitment to peace, reconciliation and community renewal. This year—on the 85th anniversary—it holds a special resonance: the festival emphasises Coventry’s resilience, cultural creativity and role as a “City of Peace and Reconciliation”.

The official festival website describes the event as a “programme of public events and activities that promote peace, unity, understanding and positive community relationships.”

Its Influence and Impact

Over the years, the Coventry Peace Festival has grown in both scale and purpose. Key features of the 2025 programme include:

  • A monumental installation inspired by Coventry Cathedral, comprising 1,300 cardboard boxes crafted by local residents—a powerful symbol of memory, hope and communal creativity.
  • The Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture, delivered by Mandy Sanghera OBE on 6 November, exploring her work with victims of honour-based violence and cultural abuse.
  • A diverse programme of walks, workshops, exhibitions and performances—offered free of charge—inviting Coventry’s inhabitants and visitors to reflect together, learn together and build stronger connections.

The practical community impact is significant. These events:

  • strengthen inter-faith, inter-cultural and inter-generational dialogue
  • provide accessible creative and mental-wellbeing activities in shared public spaces
  • remind the city of its legacy while inviting a future of active peace-making

Join Emerald Book Club

As part of this year’s festival, the Emerald Book Club is proud to present Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park. This event is rooted directly in the festival’s themes of peace and reconciliation.

By choosing to gather in Red House Park and offering a walk that intersperses live storytelling, poems and open-mic sharing, we are:

  • promoting togetherness and listening in a relaxed outdoor environment
  • creating a safe space for participants to reflect on peace, forgiveness and unity
  • connecting ours to Coventry’s broader story of resilience, recovery and hope

Why this Matters

Our involvement is more than just an event—it’s a contribution to Coventry’s identity. Through the Emerald Book Club’s walk:

  • Local voices will be heard—those of poets, storytellers and community members alike
  • Public space becomes an active site of inclusion and cultural exchange
  • Attendance and interaction nurture the festival’s goal of cultivating positive community relationships around peace

Join Us

📅 Saturday 8 November 2025
🕐 1–3 PM
📍 Red House Park, Coventry
💚 Free event | All welcome | No booking required

Come share your story, listen to another’s, and walk with us as part of Coventry’s ever-evolving peace journey.

Emerald Book Club Stories of Peace

Coventry Peace Festival Events

Booking for events is not required unless stated on the event listing.

Coventry Multifaith Annual Peace Walk 2025

Coventry Multifaith Forum
Saturday 1 November 2025, 10am to 2pm
Priory Visitor Centre

The theme of this peace walk links to the commemoration of the 85th anniversary of The Blitz. It also links to the national interfaith week theme which is ‘community together we serve’. Each place of worship will be presenting an item that develops social cohesion.

Let’s Embrace Peace

Vanny Radio
Saturday 1 November 2025, 11am to 3pm
161 Broad Street Centre

Join us for an inspiring day of creativity and connection as part of Coventry’s Peace Festival. Through performances, workshops, art and intergenerational dialogues, we’ll explore peace, unity and understanding. Young people will lead creative projects and discussions celebrating diversity, empathy, and community harmony. Everyone is welcome to take part.

Sikhs in World War II

Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash
Monday 3 November 2025, 5.30pm – 7pm
Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash

Service and exhibition about the role that Sikhs played in World War II. Hear from different speakers and see the exhibition.

Songmaking

Underground Lights
Tuesday 4 November 2025, 2pm to 4pm
Coventry Central Hall

Join Underground Lights for this creative workshop where you’ll work together as a group to create a song exploring peace and reconciliation. Session suitable for people aged 18+. 

Learn the Heritage Craft of Woodcarving

Coventry Woodcarvers Association
Tuesday 4 and Tuesday 11 November 2025, 5.45pm to 8pm
Finham Park School

People are invited to have a go at woodcarving. We will start with an introductory talk and demonstration, followed by practical instruction to learn carving techniques. Attendees can then carve a dove of peace. There will be different options to finish the carving so everyone can create their own individual dove. Email cov.carvers@gmail.com to book. Suitable for ages 11 and over. Anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. 

Peace Without Reconciliation: Lessons from East Asia

University of Warwick
Tuesday 4 November 2025, 6.15pm to 8pm
The Oculus, University of Warwick campus

A panel of experts on East Asia will unpack the politics of the recent World War II commemorations. Drawing on examples like Hiroshima, they will show how national politics have intertwined with national memories used for political ends, creating obstacles to reconciliation as nations clash over opposing interpretations of history. Following the discussion members of the audience will be invited to ask questions. Visit the University of Warwick website to book.

Coventry Peace Trail

Coventry Lord Mayor’s Committee for Peace and Reconciliation
Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 November 2025, 10.30am to 12pm
Coventry Cathedral Ruins – beside The Charred Cross

This walking tour visits sites associated with peace in Coventry city centre. It begins with the ruins of St. Michael’s Cathedral and concludes in Millennium Place. This year will focus on the peace trail sites near Coventry Cathedral Ruins. Everyone will be given a free Peace Trail booklet with information about all 27 Peace Trail sites.

Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture

Coventry Lord Mayor’s Committee for Peace and Reconciliation
Thursday 6 November 2025, 6pm to 8.30pm
Coventry Cathedral

This year’s Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture will be delivered by international human rights activist, Mandy Sanghera OBE. Her work focuses on supporting victims and survivors of honour-based violence and cultural abuse, with the lecture covering some of her vital work and advising how people can help and support this cause. Email davidfishcf@msn.com to book.

Reflections with Godiva Sisters

Godiva Trust
Friday 7 November 2025, 11am to 1pm
Priory Visitor Centre

We remember the message that went out around the world after the Blitz, the message of Peace and Reconciliation. In these turbulent times, the Godiva Sisters reflect on the world through their cultures and faiths and spread the message of peace in Coventry. There will be a short walk to reflect in Priory Gardens.

Peace Wreaths from the Orchard

Coventry Peace Orchard
Saturday 8 November 2025, 11.30am to 1.30pm
Visitors Centre at the War Memorial Park

An outdoor, hands-on workshop where participants create small autumn wreaths or hanging decorations using natural and found materials from the Peace Orchard. Twigs, windfall apples, leaves, pinecones, seed heads and recycled ribbons are woven into simple circular wreaths.

Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park

Emerald Book Club CIC
Saturday 8 November 2025, 1pm to 3pm
Red House Park

Emerald Book Club proposes Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park – an interactive outdoor storytelling experience at Red House Park. The walk has been designed to celebrate peace, unity and reconciliation through the power of stories and words. Email emeraldbookclub@gmail.com to book.

Together for Peace

Young Beacons CIC
Workshops on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 November, 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Showcase on Saturday 8 November, 1pm to 5pm
Wava Hall

Event where children and young people will come together to create art pieces that represent and promote peace. These will be pieces that resonate with, and represent the significance of, both the Blitz and Coventry’s identity as a City of Peace and Reconciliation. There will be two sessions to create the art pieces followed by a showcase to share the art. To book a place for youngsters aged 8 – 18, email info@youngbeacons.co.uk.

Soul Coventry

Priory Visitor Centre
Saturday 8 November 2025, 6pm to 9:30pm
Priory Visitor Centre
Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend this event

A dynamic live music and poetry event dedicated to showcasing the talents of local and emerging artists from Coventry. Our mission is to create a safe, intimate and welcoming environment that encourages individuals to share their artistic expressions. Join us as we provide a platform for participants to explore and communicate their personal journeys, healing and growth through creativity. To book tickets, visit the event page.

Remembrance Sunday Service

Coventry City Council
War Memorial Park
Sunday 9 November, 11am to 1pm

Annual Remembrance Sunday Service which takes place by the Cenotaph in the park. Attended by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, the Bishop of Coventry and serving and retired members of the armed forces. The event is followed by a ceremony at London Road Cemetery at 3pm.

The Role of the Civic University in Peace Dialogue and Education

University of Warwick
10 November |10am – 11am (UK time)
An online event on via Microsoft Teams, exploring how students, researchers, and the local community can encourage peace, critical thinking, and civic engagement amid rising misinformation and polarisation. To join, email Briony Jones at B.Jones.5@warwick.ac.uk for a link.

Faces of Hope

ALTA Community
Monday 10 November 2025, 10am to 3pm
MS Therapy Centre

Faces of Hope is a deeply personal exploration of healing, peace and renewal. Working with plaster of Paris and clay, artist Veronica Grant has created calm, gentle faces emerging from rough, textured surface. This artwork captures how beauty can grow from pain, and how the human spirit can find its way back to gentleness and light.

Acknowledging Support of the Commonwealth in the World Wars

St Paul’s Church
Monday 10 November 2025, 10.30am to 11.30am
Peace Park (corner of Foleshill Road/Livingstone Road)

Local schools will read peace poetry local places of worship to acknowledge members of their congregations/sangat that fought in the war. We’ll focus on the 85th anniversary since the Coventry Blitz and remember the efforts of our community to recover and serve each other and the city together.

Tea, Tales and Togetherness

Foleshill Women’s Training 
Tuesday 12 November 2025, 10am to 2pm
Foleshill Women’s Training Centre

This women’s only event will bring together women from diverse backgrounds to celebrate peace through poetry, storytelling, and cultural sharing. Participants will read short poems in their own languages, express their hopes for peace. Refreshments will be provided.
Booking required – call 07508 437589 or 024 7663 7693

History Tour around Coventry Cathedral

WATCH Charity
Tuesday 12 November 2025, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
WATCH Community Centre

A trip for young people aged 8 to 18 to visit Coventry Cathedral. They will get the chance to connect with the city’s history, particularly The Blitz, and the Cathedral’s role as a symbol of peace. This visit will inspire their understanding of reconciliation so they can work together to produce a show to air on local radio.

Parent/guardian must request a consent form to complete in advance: nadia@watchcharity.org.uk

A Taste of Malaysian Heritage

Malaysian Coventry Society
Thursday 13 November 2025, 12pm to 3pm
Evro Cafe by Warung

We are a community group promoting cultural understanding, friendship and shared learning among communities in our city. We are running a ‘Show and Tell’ cultural workshop to raise awareness of Malaysian culture through interactive and sensory experiences including food, costumes, games and crafts.

Radio Show “Coventry: City of Peace and Reconciliation”

WATCH Charity
Friday 14 November 2025, 10am to 12pm
WATCH Community Centre

Working with our Skillz with Hillz radio training cohort, young people will co-create and broadcast a radio programme. The show will feature reflections, interviews and creative expressions inspired by the Peace Festival’s themes, their experiences at the Cathedral and in the workshops.

Dove Decorating Workshop

WATCH Charity
Thursday 13 November, 3.30pm to 5.30pm
WATCH Community Centre

This session is for children and young people aged 8 to 18. They will design and decorate clay or paper doves, symbolising peace, hope and reconciliation. The doves will serve as both a personal reflection and a collective artwork, highlighting the importance of peace across generations.

Hearts can ache without breaking: The story of the Coventry Blitz as seen from Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Church
Friday 14 November, 12pm to 2pm
Holy Trinity Church

Join us to listen to a short talk to hear the story of the Coventry Blitz as seen from Holy Trinity. The talk will be followed by a tour of the church with particular attention to the damage caused by war, and evidence of peace and restoration. The talks will take place at 12pm and 1pm.

Peace Builders: Create Coventry’s Mini Peace Wall

Coventry Boys and Girls Club
Thursday 14 November, 4.30pm to 7.30pm 
Coventry Boys and Girls Club

“Peace Builders” will invite children to create individual “peace bricks” – decorated cardboard and tiles featuring their drawings, poems, or messages about peace, kindness, and reconciliation. Discussions about the blitz and how it impacted Coventry and how we need peace and reconciliation more than ever in the modern world.  These personal contributions will be assembled into a collaborative Mini Peace Wall, a striking display symbolising how individual voices can come together to build unity. Booking not required, but consent form will need to be filled in for young people on attendance. To fill it out in advance please email to request a copy scott.dwyer@cbgc.org.uk, however, you will be able to fill it in on the day. Suitable for ages 7 – 12 years.

Reborn Phoenix

LTB Priory Place
Saturday 15 November, 10am to 5pm
Priory Visitor Centre

Reborn Phoenix is a female-led artistic collaboration between Sherrie Edgar, Toni Peach, and Michala Gyetvai, who will create a powerful new mixed-media painting and accompanying poem re-imagining George Wagstaffe’s The Phoenix sculpture. This new work pays tribute to the courage and resilience of women who served during the Blitz and throughout World War II.

It Takes a City

Talking Birds
Saturday 15 November, 3pm to 3.45pm
Coventry Cathedral
Tickets must be purchased in advance to attend this event

It Takes a City tells the extraordinary story of two bomb disposal crews; one in 2008, when the uncovering of an unexploded WW2 bomb led to the evacuation of the city centre, and one during the Blitz of 1940. This special promenade performance with live music reflects on the legacy of conflict. To book, visit the Coventry Cathedral events listing.

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Nov 5, 2025 | , , , ,

Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 | 10.30am - 4pm Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation St, Coventry CV1 1GS Price: FREE Brought to you by local vintage events company Rosie’s Retro Bazaar and independent publishing house, Fantom. Immerse yourself in the universe of...

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Emerald Book Club – World Mental Health Day 2025

Emerald Book Club – World Mental Health Day 2025

by | Oct 10, 2025 | Community Events, Emerald Book Club, Events

🌿 Emerald Book Club – World Mental Health Day 2025

Theme: Love Yourself, Accept Yourself
Date: 10 October 2025

At Emerald Book Club, we believe that books are more than stories — they’re safe spaces. They heal, comfort, inspire, and remind us that we are not alone in our journeys.

On this World Mental Health Day, we take a moment to celebrate the power of reading as a tool for emotional wellness and self-discovery.

💚 Books and Mental Health: A Beautiful Connection

Reading allows us to step into different worlds, understand new perspectives, and process our own emotions through the words of others. Whether it’s a poem that reflects how we feel, a novel that gives us escape, or a memoir that reminds us of resilience — reading nurtures the mind and soothes the soul.

Through shared stories, we find healing, empathy, and connection — the very foundations of mental wellness.

🌱 How Emerald Book Club Supports Wellbeing

📚 Safe Conversations: Our book discussions offer a judgment-free zone for members to share their thoughts and emotions.
💬 Poetic Mondays & Reading Circles: These creative spaces help members express themselves and feel heard.
🤝 Community Connection: Through reading, we build friendships and reduce isolation — one story at a time.
🌸 Mindful Reading Choices: We often explore uplifting, empowering, and reflective books that inspire self-acceptance and growth.

🌻 Our Message Today:

Take care of your mind as you would your favorite book — gently, with patience and love.
It’s okay to pause, reflect, and rest.
It’s okay to seek help and share your story.
Every chapter of your life matters — and you are the author of your healing. 💚

📖 Join the Movement

This week, we invite our members and readers everywhere to:

  • Share a book that helped them through a difficult time
  • Read something that brings peace and hope
  • Write a few words or a poem about self-love and mental wellbeing

Together, let’s remind each other that stories heal — and that through reading, we can learn to love ourselves and accept ourselves.

💚 Happy World Mental Health Day from Emerald Book Club 💚

Sports Fest Returns to Coventry this Summer with Six Days of Free Fun!

Sports Fest Returns to Coventry this Summer with Six Days of Free Fun!

by | Jul 30, 2025 | Coventry, Emerald Book Club, Events

🎉 Sports Fest Returns to Coventry this Summer with Six Days of Free Fun!

Coventry’s much-loved Sports Fest is making a dynamic return this summer, transforming Broadgate into a buzzing hub of sports, wellness, and community spirit from Tuesday 12 August to Sunday 17 August 2025, daily from 10am to 4pm — and it’s completely free!

Coventry City emerald Book Club

Delivered by CV Life and Coventry City Council, this six-day festival promises something for everyone — from kids discovering new hobbies, to adults rekindling old sporting passions, and families simply enjoying the energy of the summer holidays in the city centre.

the Sports Fest line-up is packed with activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Enthusiasts can also try their hand at cheerleading, table tennis, goalball, and so much more.

In addition to the action-packed schedule, the festival will include a Quiet Hour every day from 10am – 11am, specially designed to create a calmer, low-sensory environment for those who benefit from a quieter setting — making the event inclusive and accessible to all.

Local and national sports organisations and clubs will be out in force, offering not just demos and coaching sessions but also real opportunities to get involved long-term. Whether you’re looking to join a local team, learn a new sport, or simply get more active — this is the perfect time to give it a go.

Wendy Jackson, Community Engagement Manager at CV Life, shared her excitement:

“CV Life is really excited to be a part of Sports Fest again this year. As always, the event is going to be great and I hope we get to see lots of happy faces and families enjoy what will be on offer. Local clubs, groups and organisations will provide a whole host of activities to engage with all ages and abilities. We hope to see as many people enjoy the week of free activities and get as many people as possible active outdoors this summer holiday.”

Coventry Sports Fest

Local and national sports organisations and clubs will be out in force, offering not just demos and coaching sessions but also real opportunities to get involved long-term. Whether you’re looking to join a local team, learn a new sport, or simply get more active — this is the perfect time to give it a go.

📍 Event Info:
Dates: 12th – 17th August 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily Quiet Hour: 10:00 – 11:00 AM)
Location: Broadgate, Coventry (Lady Godiva Statue)
Cost: Absolutely FREE

Previous editions of Sports Fest have drawn thousands, with the 2022 event alone attracting over 15,000 visitors across six days — making it one of the most successful community events in the region.

So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a day of summer fun, Sports Fest 2025 promises a week of healthy activity, community vibes, and the perfect way to stay active during the school holidays.

Don’t miss the action — save the date and bring your trainers, your friends, and your energy!

👉 Keep an eye on the full activity schedule coming soon via: www.cvlife.co.uk