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The Godiva Festival 2009

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July 2009, Coventry War Memorial Park

Godiva FestivalFrom 3 to 5 July, Coventry War Memorial Park will be playing host to the 12th Godiva Festival – the UK’s biggest and best free and ticketless family festival - a three day event packed full of music and entertainment for all the family. The Godiva Festival brings together the people of the city with entertainment including live music, comedy, poetry and a Carnival and Procession. Carnival

The weekend of entertainment begins on Friday night with a variety of 80s legends gracing the main stage including live performances from ‘The Blow Monkeys’, ‘Womack and Womack’ and ‘Go West’. Other first night entertainment includes comedy from Jason Wood, Cole Parker and Jimmy McGhie in the Rhythm Tent.

Saturday will see the Godiva Carnival setting off at 1pm from University Square. The theme for this year is ‘Coventry Greats’ and will be designed by Vortex Creates. From industry to art, from engineering to innovation, each section of the carnival will pay homage to some of the great things to come out of Coventry both past and present. One section will be dedicated to the Olympic and Paralympic Games as this year also marks the beginning of the city’s journey to London 2012. Each following sGodiva Festivalection will then take one of the colours of the Olympic flag to mark this journey.

The weekend will also see the return of some favourites from previous years, including GreenSpace – a mix of eco-friendly local and national groups, ranging from Greenpeace and Act on Energy to Coventry Knit-wits and Coventry Beekeepers Association. Local craftsmen will give live demonstrations and a variety of organisations will encourage and educate on environmental issues. Idlewild

There will also be a Kids Tent between 12pm and 5pm on Saturday and 12pm and 4pm on Sunday, with numerous activities to keep children entertained, all linked with the theme of the Godiva carnival procession, ‘Coventry Greats’. The emphasis is on colourful and fun activities developed specifically for a number of different age groups and skill levels. There will also be a story telling section which will feature periodically through each day. Sky Blue Sam from Coventry City FC and Scorch from the Coventry Blaze will make guest appearances along with other characters from the world of children's media and entertainment throughout the weekend.

An afternoon of live performances in The Arena, will include a Fire Service Display, BMX riders, Jojangles Dancers – Rock N Roll, Parkour – Free Runners and Hawkwise – Falconer.

This year the Electric Main Stage will be headlined by Scottish rockers, Idlewild, on Saturday 4th July at 9.25pm. Other acts on the main stage include The Twang, Toploader, Satin Dolls, Newton Faulkner, The Yeah You’s and many more.

For more information on the Godiva Festival, visit www.godivafestival.co.uk