Coventry Station Community Day
On Saturday 7 May, the new and improved Coventry Station will host a community event to celebrate the opening of the new £82m station extension building and enhancements to the original station that is celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The event is being organised by Heart of England Community Rail Partnership and physical theatre company Highly Sprung, having been jointly funded by station operator Avanti West Coast and Coventry City Council.
The event will feature family activities and a marketplace of stalls showcasing sustainable travel and transport innovation projects throughout the afternoon. The day concludes with a stunning finale of ‘In Transit’, a new, free performance from renowned theatre company Highly Sprung. In Transit is a magical outdoor performance for all ages, that will tell the story of Coventry’s evolution over the years and the role transport innovation has played in its continued development. This unique performance features professional artists alongside a community cast, with over 100 children from local schools. Two free performances will take place at 5pm and 7pm on the Coventry Station Boulevard.
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The community celebration event coincides with a programme of activity across the weekend as part of the Coventry City of Culture 2021’s ‘Coventry Opens’ festival, showcasing a number of cultural venues across the city. Artwork installations designed by Christopher Tipping were installed onto the concourse windows earlier in the year as part of the enhancement works, whilst a courtyard conversion project is also underway. In addition, a new “Welcome to Coventry” sign has been installed, made up of stitched squares crafted by residents of Coventry and artists Luisa Freitas and Charis Esther, working with Creative Giants on behalf of Coventry City Council and Avanti West Coast.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: "The project Is throwing a light on Coventry’s greener future, looking at the vital role of innovative, green transport and the role it will play in connecting our communities and improving our environment. We are so proud to have a forward-thinking, city-based arts organisation like Highly Sprung present to celebrate this key moment in the development of Coventry’s new train station, creating vital connections nationwide."
