History of the Carnival

The Godiva Procession has long been a part of Coventry's rich, cultural heritage, reflecting its changing faces and celebrating the achievements of its citizens.

The first recorded procession took place in 1678, although its true origins go back to the Medieval procession of the Mystery Plays for the feast of Corpus Christie. In some years, it has attracted nearly 200,000 spectators!

At its centre a celebration and reminder of one of the most famous citizens, it has, over the years, also featured many famous characters of both local and international repute.

In past times, elaborate tableaux were created, utilising the skills and enthusiasm of companies, families and individuals. As well as its human participants, the Procession has featured animals in its history, including one memorable year when elephants, camels and zebras were employed to pull fantastic chariots through the city centre.

The Procession was resurrected in 1997 and continues to reflect the best the city has to offer, both in its history and its current multi-cultural population. In 2005 it amalgamated with the Coventry Carnival in 2005 to become Godiva Carnival, and this year celebrates its 10th year since its re-imagining.

The Godiva Carnival is now an award winning carnival with a national reputation, produced by Imagineer Productions working with highly skilled professional Coventry artists and the community to create spectacular large scale costumes and moving structures and hundreds of amazing costumes, music & dance.

It is a testament to Coventry that the majority of the processors are local, enthusiastic volunteers, who continue this great tradition and provide spectators with a unique experience, leaving them with a lasting memory of being 'Sent to Coventry'.