CAPTIVATED COVENTRY crowds enjoyed a musical feast at the BBC’s Biggest Weekend festival.
One of the BBC’s greatest celebrations of music did not disappoint the lucky spectators at the War Memorial Park as a host of household names ventured to the city.
Liam Gallagher, the much-loved but controversial ex-frontman of Oasis, treated the audience to several trademark tirades and songs from his latest album, ‘As You Were.’
A flamboyant Paloma Faith and seasoned festival front-liners the Stereophonics also delivered show-stopping performances.
There was also a selection of home-grown talent, not least The Selecter who rolled back the years to deliver some of their classic hits in front of their adoring fans and city neighbours.
Many paid tribute to Coventry and its culture and hailed the festival as a sign of things to come.
At the Fringe festival there were local grime MC’s, rock bands and the best acts the newly crowned City of Culture 2021 could offer.
Intermittent rain, thunder and lightning was not enough to dampen spirits with the 175,000 poncho-clad ticket-holders committed to the end.
The Monday line-up provided an ideal end to the Bank Holiday weekend with guitarist Milos and violinist Nigel Kennedy closing the show in style.
Councillor Abdul Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for events said: “We were extremely proud to be able to play host to such a wonderful high profile event such as this and we were very confident we could work alongside the BBC and event partners to deliver such a huge, successful event.
“Our profile and reputation as a city who can deliver great events has yet again grown right across the country and beyond by being one of the four cities involved in the Biggest Weekend event which, of course, can only be beneficial to Coventry.
“As UK City of Culture for 2021, these are very exciting times and I’m sure there’s lots more excitement to come in the lead up to the year itself.”
Rhys Hughes, BBC head of live music and events, popular music said: “Our Biggest Weekend brought brilliant live music from Radio 2 and Radio 3 over two days to the fantastic crowds who attended in Coventry and to the millions more listening and watching across the UK.
“I’d like to thank the council for having us and for helping us make this weekend so special.”
Laura McMillan, director of operations and legacy at the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “It was a monumental weekend for the city. The eyes – and ears – of the nation were on Coventry for the BBC’s Biggest Weekend and that was followed by Coventry City’s incredible win at Wembley.
“There is a real positive feeling in Coventry right now – particularly on the back of the recent European City of Sport win – and we want that momentum to continue through to 2021 and beyond.”
Coventry’s amazing summer of music continues with the Rolling Stones set to rock the Ricoh Arena at the weekend and, of course, the UK’s biggest free family music festival, the Coventry Godiva Festival, also set to take place in the War Memorial Park from August 31 to September 2.
