Coventry’s annual Peace Festival returns this November promoting the city’s ongoing work of peace, tolerance and friendship. The city is well known around the world as a welcoming place and also as the city of peace and reconciliation.

Coventry Peace Festival 2023 | Remembrance Sunday in Coventry

The Peace Festival is a chance for the many faiths, cultures and communities that flourish within Coventry to get together and highlight all the ongoing work alongside special events that spread the word about Coventry’s role in peace and reconciliation worldwide. This month marks the 83rd anniversary of the blitz that devastated Coventry and saw its rebirth as a city that reaches out to others to spread a message of reconciliation.

There are many community, schools and other groups holding events throughout the festival so make sure to visit www.coventry.gov.uk/peace to see the full programme and how to book tickets.

There will be a number of events, taking place from 1 - 14 November. All have the promotion of peace and tolerance at their heart.

Here are a few of the highlights for the 2023 Festival:

Thursday 9th November | Coventry Lord Mayor’s Peace Committee Coventry Peace Trail Booklet

Enjoy a guided tour of the many sculptures, works of art and plaques dedicated to Peace and Reconciliation around Coventry city centre.
The tour will be led by Members of the Coventry Lord Mayor’s Committee for Peace and Reconciliation who will share information about the sites. A free booklet plus map of all the sites is included

Thursday 9th November |  Wild Earth: Planting Peace

Planting Peace is an outdoor activity that includes a mindfulness session, writing letters of peace and container planting. Pre-booking is essential. Please ensure that you are suitably dressed for the weather with sensible footwear. Email info@wild-earth.org.uk for details and to book a place.

Saturday 11th November | West Orchards Armistice Day Poppy Drop

A brief service will be held to mark the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. This will be concluded with the sounding of the last post at 11am followed by a two minute silence whilst 4000 poppies fall from the dome.  Find more info here.

Saturday 11th November| Peace for All Festival

Hunt the Ring: Children and young people will have fun while learning about differences, similarities, and solidarity. They will learn a game from another country that’s been affected by conflict, then think about their favourite games.
Displaced Cook-Off: In this challenging cook-off, children and young people will learn what life is like for those who must cook and eat after being displaced. A part of a series of activities to help young people learn about conflict, welcoming newcomers and community engagement.
Fake News Workshop: The spread of misinformation or fake news can cause or aggravate crisis situations. Sharing reliable information can help promote peace and an accurate understanding of crisis situations and the people affected. In this workshop, children and young people will develop critical thinking skills and learn to avoid fake news while looking for reliable sources of information.

Sunday 12th November | Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade

The Remembrance Sunday Service commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. The service will be led by the Bishop of Coventry at the Cenotaph and is open to the public. It includes a military parade consisting of past, present and future armed forces personnel marching to the Cenotaph. Find out more here.

Monday 13th November | Peace Through the Seasons Art Workshop

Embark on a creative journey that celebrates peace and harmony throughout the changing seasons. This art workshop is an immersive experience where participants will explore the essence of peace through various artistic expressions, each inspired by the beauty and symbolism of the seasons. Go along for an afternoon of artistic exploration and connection.

There are many community, schools and other groups holding events throughout the festival so make sure to visit www.coventry.gov.uk/peace to see the full programme and how to book tickets.

To find out more about the Coventry Peace Festival click here.