THE COVENTRY community came together today for Dame Goodyver’s Day to celebrate the city’s links with Lady Godiva.
Dame Goodyver’s Day was first celebrated in Coventry in the 1400s.
A procession led by Lady Godiva – aka Pru Porretta – and The Godiva Sisters marched around the statue in Broadgate and then to Priory Park.
There there were speeches and a host of entertainment, including a Ukranian folk song performed by Iryna King and two guitarists playing Abba’s Dancing Queen.
Schoolchildren were also part of the day, including the Coventry Youth Ambassadors.
BTA (Back To Africa) featuring children from St Mary and St Benedict’s School performed a dance routine and pupils from St Osburg’s performed to Coventry band King’s Love and Pride.
Prayers were said by leaders from a number of faiths, including Christian, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Fleur Sexton – one of The Queen’s representatives in the region.
The event was concluded with the sharing of food from around the world by the Godiva sisters.
Lord Mayor Coun John McNicholas said in his speech: “Dame Goodyver’s Day was brought back by Pru after a gap in of 500 years and I hope it continues for many years to come.
“It is a great event which brings people together from across the city.”
Lady Godiva herself – Pru – added: “It has been wonderful – a truly beautiful celebration.
“We had sunshine, children and people from right across the different Coventry communities.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who organised this and made it such a success – we had no funding so everyone volunteered and gave their time freely.
“We had to cancel the event last year and made a Goodyver’s Day video but it was much better and much more enjoyable seeing everyone gather in person again to celebrate.”
The procession was broadcast live on our Coventry Observer Facebook page – CLICK HERE to watch it back.