Godiva is taking over Coventry city centre this summer with Godiva in the City – a brand-new FREE two-day celebration of live music, arts, culture and family fun.

Godiva in the City | Festivals in Coventry City Centre

• Dates: Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th July 2026 | 12pm - 8pm 
• Venue: Coventry City Centre
• Price: Free entry!
• Music Stage Tickets: Book FREE tickets for the music stages here
• Website: godivafestival.com
• Keep up to date: Follow Godiva Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

Across the weekend you'll discover two music stages showcasing brilliant local talent, a magical Secret Garden, spectacular outdoor performances, family activities, street entertainment, delicious food and a traditional funfair. Best of all, the family activities and entertainment are completely FREE to enjoy. 

Whether you're popping into the city for an hour or making a full day of it, there's something for everyone!

What's on for free at Godiva in the City:

Secret Garden - Cathedral Ruins

• Dates: Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 July
• Price: Free - no ticket needed
• Location: Cathedral Ruins
• Find out more

Step into a magical Secret Garden in the Cathedral Ruins, packed with free family shows, arts and crafts, interactive performances and workshops. Expect colourful characters, storytelling, leaf painting, seed planting, wind chimes, nature collages and larger-than-life creatures bringing the garden to life. Performers include Ascension Dance, Fabularium and Highly Sprung.

Garden Area One – Shows  - Take a seat and enjoy entertaining performances from some of Coventry's favourite family performers. Expect storytelling, dancing, comedy and plenty of magical moments throughout the weekend.

Garden Area Two – Arts and Crafts - Little creatives can get hands-on with nature-inspired activities including leaf painting, seed planting, decorating flower pots, creating wind chimes and making beautiful nature collages to take home.

Garden Area Three – Performances - Keep your eyes peeled as magical creatures and curious characters roam the Secret Garden, bringing the space to life with interactive performances and plenty of surprises.

Garden Area Four - Workshops - Families can join in a variety of fun, interactive workshops designed to inspire creativity, imagination and play together.

Find out more about the Secret Garden here

UNITY by Gorilla Circus

• Times:
  • Saturday 4 July  – 12:00pm and 5:00pm
  • Sunday 5 July – 1:00pm and 5:00pm
• Price: Free - no ticket needed
• Location: University Square
• Access: Wheelchair accessible with designated viewing areas available
• Duration: Each performance lasts approximately 40 minutes.
• Find out more 

A breathtaking aerial spectacle featuring high-wire walking, dance trapeze and hair hanging as part of Godiva in the City.
Unity is a large-scale outdoor performance that blends circus, immersive theatre and community storytelling into a powerful shared experience. Set across a 60m aerial rig, audiences are invited to stand close to the action and be wowed as talented performers move above and around them.

This is a show for all ages that celebrates creativity, diversity and connection within the city.

Live Music Stages

Music is at the heart of Godiva in the City, with two outdoor stages showcasing an incredible line-up of local artists and emerging talent. From indie and acoustic performances to hip-hop, soul, reggae and DJs, there's something to enjoy throughout the day.

Please note: Entry to the live music stages is FREE, but tickets are required due to limited capacity. Be sure to book yours in advance to avoid missing out. Book tickets.

Millennium Place Stage

Millennium Place hosts an exciting programme of live performances featuring The Amy Winehouse Band, Cosmos Zero, GMAC, Daniel Connolly, Matt Gannon and Sweeney. Plus enjoy DJ sets from Tracey and Stacey and Andy E & Westie, keeping the festival atmosphere going between live acts.

Gosford Street Stage

Head over to Gosford Street for another fantastic line-up celebrating Coventry's thriving music scene, featuring Chip, Chaéyra, Jake Thompson and Whitley Ruchea.

Gosford Street Car Park Stage

The nearby Gosford Street Car Park Stage will also host the Fyah Kamp Takeover, bringing high-energy performances from Babyblackz, Leona Nørskov Jørgensen and DJ Clinikal Beatz.

Funfair at Godiva In The City

No festival is complete without a trip to the funfair! Enjoy all the excitement with a fantastic selection of classic fairground rides and attractions suitable for both younger children and thrill-seekers alike. From family favourites and children's rides to bigger attractions, there's plenty of fun to keep everyone smiling throughout the weekend.

The funfair will be located in the city centre alongside the festival activities, creating a lively festival atmosphere all weekend long.

Please note: Funfair rides are individually priced.

Festival Food

Feeling hungry? There'll be plenty of delicious food and drink available across the city centre throughout the weekend.

From sizzling street food and loaded fries to sweet treats, ice cream, coffees and refreshing drinks, you'll find something to suit every taste. Whether you're after a quick snack between activities or a tasty lunch while enjoying the entertainment, there'll be lots of fantastic local food vendors serving up festival favourites.

There are also plenty of city centre cafés, restaurants and bars just a short walk away if you'd prefer to sit down for a meal.

HMV Empire - Free Live Music 

• Date: Saturday 4th July 2pm - 10pm
• Location: HMV Empire, 22 Hertford St, CV1 1LF
• Tickets: Free entry, no tickets needed - just walk up!

HMV Empire joins the celebrations with a full day of FREE live music showcasing some of the region's best emerging artists.

Session 1: 2pm to 5pm 

• Danny Ansell - Coventry singer-songwriter with festival credits including Glastonbury, Godiva and Isle of Wight, and tours alongside Ocean Colour Scene, The Specials, Happy Mondays and more. 
• Orla Davies - Young emerging singer-songwriter from Coventry. 
• Matty Coles - Warwick-based singer-songwriter performing classic covers from Oasis, The Verve, Bob Marley, Paul Weller and more, with 20-plus years of live experience.

Session 2 - 6pm to 10pm

• Duck Thieves - Coventry-formed indie-punk-pop band with explosive energy and unpredictable theatrics, known for their shows at Godiva Festival and supporting The Specials at Coventry Cathedral ruins. 
• Project Overload - High-energy band drawing on the spirit of New Wave and Britpop. 
• Shanghai Hostage - Genre-mashing five-piece blending rock, funk, jazz and reggae with sharp lyrics and euphoric energy. 
• The Illusion - Alternative rock act aged 15-20, developed through The Tin Music and Arts' Live On Stage programme in Coventry, with influences ranging from Metallica and Muse to Fleetwood Mac and Green Day. 

See the Facebook event for full details.

There really is something happening around every corner during Godiva in the City. With live music, circus performances, creative workshops, family entertainment, delicious food and festival fun all completely FREE to enjoy, it's the perfect way to spend the first weekend of July in Coventry.

To keep up to date with all the latest news, head to the website or follow Godiva Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

Godiva in the City FAQs

Is Godiva in the City really free?

Yes! Godiva in the City is a FREE event. Family activities, the Secret Garden, outdoor performances and entertainment can all be enjoyed free of charge.

The live music stages also have FREE entry, but you'll need to book a free ticket in advance as capacity is limited.

Please note that food, drinks and funfair rides are individually priced.

Do I need tickets for Godiva in the City?

You only need tickets for the music stages, but they are free! Book your free tickets here.

The Secret Garden, family activities, workshops, walkabout entertainment and outdoor performances are all free to attend with no ticket required.

What age is Godiva in the City suitable for?

The event is designed for all ages. Families with young children will love the Secret Garden, arts and crafts, workshops and performances, while music lovers can enjoy live bands and DJs throughout the city centre.

Is the event accessible?

Yes. Godiva in the City takes place across Coventry city centre using accessible public spaces. The UNITY by Gorilla Circus performances include designated wheelchair viewing areas, and the city centre offers step-free routes between most locations. Accessible toilets are also available nearby.

If you have specific access requirements, it's recommended to check the Godiva Festival website before your visit for the latest accessibility information.

Where can I park?

Coventry city centre has several car parks within a short walk of the festival, including:

• West Orchards Car Park
• Belgrade Plaza Car Park
• Salt Lane Car Park
• Lower Ford Street Car Park
• Bishop Street Car Park

As the event is expected to be busy, allow extra time for parking or consider travelling by public transport.

Can I travel by public transport?

Yes! Coventry city centre is easy to reach by both bus and train. Coventry Railway Station is around a 10–15 minute walk from the main festival sites, while most local bus services stop in or around the city centre, making public transport one of the easiest ways to visit.

Will there be food and drink?

Absolutely! You'll find a fantastic selection of street food vendors, sweet treats and drinks available throughout the weekend, alongside the many cafés, restaurants and bars already located in Coventry city centre.

Are dogs allowed?

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the outdoor city centre spaces. However, as the event is likely to be busy with large crowds and loud music, owners should use their judgement and keep dogs on a lead at all times.

What happens if it rains?

Godiva in the City is an outdoor event and most activities will go ahead in typical British summer weather. It's worth bringing waterproofs or sunscreen depending on the forecast, as there is limited shelter at some locations.

Where can I find the latest updates?

For the latest announcements, performance times, maps and any event updates, visit the official Godiva Festival website or follow Godiva Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.