The Coventry Society took part in the Annual River Festival at FarGo Village on the weekend of 6–7 June. The festival was a weekend-long celebration featuring live music, theatrical performances, river walks, arts and crafts, and interactive stalls focused on celebrating the hidden River Sherbourne, which many people do not realise flows beneath Coventry city centre.
Members of The Coventry Society were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Roger Bailey, who is also a member of the Society, to the stand on Saturday.
The Coventry Society’s stand featured a display showing the route of the River Sherbourne through the city. Visitors were also given a colouring sheet illustrating the river’s course, surrounding roads, and a variety of wildlife that can be seen both in and around the river. A copy of the colouring sheet can be downloaded from here. The stand also offered a range of books, leaflets and other information about Coventry’s heritage and environment.
For those who missed the Summer River Festival, there will be another opportunity to celebrate Coventry’s primary river at the Autumn River Festival, taking place at Coventry Charterhouse on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, from 11am to 4pm each day. The festival forms part of Coventry’s Heritage Open Days programme and offers a weekend of creativity, community engagement and connection with nature, suitable for all ages and interests. It is a chance to come together and celebrate the river that flows beneath our feet through Coventry city centre.
Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of live music, theatrical performances, storytelling, guided river walks, and hands-on arts and crafts activities. Families can meet Lady Good-Diver, the Sherbourne Valley Project’s much-loved otter mascot, and explore stalls hosted by local nature and heritage organisations. These organisations will offer interactive activities and fascinating insights into Coventry’s wildlife, history and culture.
The festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Visitors can also discover the buzz of Coventry’s vibrant local creative scene, where talented young makers and performers bring fresh energy and ideas. With emerging musical artists showcasing their talents, the festival celebrates the home-grown creativity that makes Coventry such a special place. Set against the backdrop of the River Sherbourne and surrounded by rich history and culture, the event offers the perfect blend of heritage, nature and contemporary creativity.
As part of the Sherbourne Valley Project, a short heritage walk has also been developed. This 1.5-kilometre route links FarGo Village and Charterhouse, allowing walkers to explore the rich history and diverse natural environment between the two locations. The route follows the river as closely as possible and highlights a variety of hidden historical and cultural points of interest along the way. The heritage walk leaflet can be downloaded here.
