85 Years since the Coventry Blitz: How the city is marking the date
Coventry after the Blitz. Credit: Imperial War Museum
On the 14th of November 1940, the city of Coventry was hit by the Luftwaffe in the most devastating bombing of World War II.
Coventry was targeted for being the heart of manufacturing in England, with at least 25% of all British aircrafts being made here. Over 43,000 homes were damaged or destroyed during the bombing.
Friday marks the anniversary, and there are multiple events being held across the city to mark the date.
Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Cathedral ruins
A civic service and vigil is being held at Coventry Cathedral on Friday, the 14th of November. The service will take place in the Cathedral at 5.30 pm.
After the service, guests and attendees will be moved into the Cathedral ruins to hear the air raid sirens that will ring out across the city centre at 7.10 pm. This marks the exact time that they were heard 85 years ago.
The Blitz Museum will be open on Saturday, 15th, to any guests.
Coventry Transport Museum
The Transport Museum is holding multiple events, ranging from 11 am to 3:30 pm. These events include artefacts from World War II, immersive shelters, and vehicles. Guests will experience the Coventry Blitz story through engines and stories of those who were in the city during the bombing.
Herbert Art Gallery
Herbert Art Gallery front entrance
There are multiple Blitz-themed events taking place in the Herbert Art Gallery on Saturday, the 15th of November. From 10 am until 4 pm, there is a 1940s real footage film, games and toys from WW2, a WW2 item display, a tour of the themed galleries, a costume corner and craft activities for children. Each of these events will immerse guests in the feeling of going back in time to the 40s. There are special day tickets that include entry to Coventry Transport Museum for £10.
Blitz Structure
The people of Coventry have been invited by the City Council to help build a 20 metre cardboard model of the Cathedral ruins.
Free workshops are taking place at Draper’s Hall until 9 pm on Friday, 14th. The structure will be placed in Broadgate on Saturday 15th of November, and taken down the following day at 3 pm. Those who attend on Sunday will be invited to deconstruct the building to reflect the loss of the cathedral in 1940.
City Council
Across the weekend, visitors and residents will come together to celebrate peace and reconciliation in the city.
Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “Eighty-five years on, the memory of the Coventry Blitz still resonates deeply within our city. This anniversary is not only a time to honour the lives lost, but also to reflect on the spirit of resilience and to acknowledge the strength of the city.
“The weekend of remembrance invites us all to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. I encourage you all to take a look at what’s on offer across the city as we remember the fateful night of 1940.”
Friday 14th of November, has a Blitz Tour of St. Mary’s Guildhall at 11 am. There is also a chance to meet WW2 costumed interpreters from 11 am until 4 pm from Friday until Sunday in the Cathedral ruins.