Godiva Festival

The Godiva Festival is a free weekend long music festival held each year in the War Memorial Park, Coventry, England, named after the city's famous former inhabitant Lady Godiva. It first appeared as a day-long event in 1997 and became a 3-day event the following year in 1998. It is the largest free festival in the UK.

Godiva processions

The Godiva Processions started in 1678. Earlier in the 17th century a new character, Peeping Tom had been introduced to the Legend and his effigy was paraded at each procession. Although the earlier festivities may have ignored puritan sentiment, city historians stress that the procession have always been seemly; once even the horse wore trousers. In 1861, the artist David Gee painted The Godiva Procession Leaving St. Mary's Hall, the picture is now on display in the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry.

Format

The modern three-day music festival is a non-profit making event organised by Coventry City Council. It is widely marketed as the biggest free festival in the Midlands, as well as the biggest free family festival in the UK.