I am pleased to support Coventry’s bid to become the City of Culture 2021. Run by Coventry City Culture of Trust, the title could bring millions to the local economy and significant social benefits.
Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and was once the capital of England. The city has a rich cultural heritage, legend has it that the city was the birthplace of St George, dragon slayer and Patron Saint of England. George Eliot lived and went to school in Coventry and the city is twinned with 26 towns across the world. Whilst it may be Coventry’s name on the bid, winning could bring benefits to the whole of the West Midlands including Kenilworth and Southam. Young people living in this modern and diverse city will grow up in a community with improved job prospects and more opportunities.
The bid has an impressive number of partners in both the public and private sectors, including the Ricoh Arena, Coventry City Council, the universities of Warwick and Coventry, Jaguar Land Rover, Coventry Building Society, Birmingham Airport and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
For Coventry to win UK City of Culture 2021, your support can help. Leave a message on the bid website at www.coventry2021.co.uk. Your voice and positive experiences will help to drive the campaign and win the competition. There will be plenty of bid events for all ages including a workshop on Women in Business, educational events at the Transport Museum and the ‘Arts 4 Dementia’ awareness charity event.
Winning as City of Culture is a lot more than a year of cultural celebration, it is about enhancing the reputation of a city. Let us in Kenilworth and Southam work together with our neighbouring community to make the campaign a success and see Coventry awarded UK City of Culture 2021.