Title

FINANCE

Coventry axes annual festival to save cash

Coventry City Council has taken the ‘difficult decision’ not to run its three-day annual music and community festival due to financial reasons after 25 years.

Godiva Festival (Photo credit: Dave Archer)

Godiva Festival (Photo credit: Dave Archer)

Coventry City Council has taken the ‘difficult decision' not to run its three-day annual music and community festival due to financial reasons after 25 years.

The council has been trying to make the Godiva Festival self-funding but last year contributed a £346,000 subsidy, describing the event as a ‘much-loved part of the city's cultural offer'.

The festival, which attracts about 75,000 people, is estimated to cost about £1.2m to run.

Coventry said it recognised the importance of the festival to artists and audiences but had been facing ‘rising costs and industry challenges'.

It plans to carry out a ‘full review' of how the festival could be ‘delivered sustainably' in the future.

Deputy council leader Abdul Salam Khan said: ‘It is important that we carefully review how the festival can be delivered in a sustainable and cost-effective way that is affordable for Coventry's residents.

‘Our programme of exciting free and low-cost city centre events will be taking place for residents to enjoy this summer.'

 

FINANCE

Regeneration: Hiding in plain sight

By David Godfrey | 15 May 2026

Spatial planning and a development corporation – or similar mechanism – are crucial to realising the full economic potential of the Thames Estuary, says Davi...

FINANCE

Regeneration: Making growth work harder

By Jon Ainger | 14 May 2026

Jon Ainger looks at why reducing deprivation is key to true economic success

FINANCE

A calm place in the storm

By Ann McGauran | 13 May 2026

The new leader of England’s place directors, Katie Stewart, talks to Ann McGauran about the need for adaptability, resilience, and a broader basket of skills...

FINANCE

New ADASS president's full in-tray

By Lee Peart | 11 May 2026

Newly elected president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, Phil Holmes, shares his views on neighbourhood health, Integrated Care Boar...

Dan Peters

Popular articles by Dan Peters