Vigil to mark 85 years since Coventry blitz

Reverend Kate Massey said while the blitz was a night of devastation, it was also the beginning of something remarkable

A vigil is to be held in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral to mark 85 years since much of the city was devastated in the blitz.

Commemorations are planned for 14 November to remember the 550 people killed in the 12-hour raid by German bombers during World War Two.

Following a civic service at the new cathedral, guests will move into the ruins of the old one as two sirens sound at 18:55 GMT to mark the exact time of the air raid in 1940.

This will be followed by a two-minute silence for people to pay their respects and take a moment to remember those who suffered.

Reverend Kate Massey, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral, said while the blitz was devastating for the city and its cathedral, it was also the beginning of something "remarkable".

She said: "As the people of Coventry committed not only to rebuilding their city but also to rebuilding their relationships with those who were their enemies."

She said the city and cathedral had become known globally for their work in reconciliation.

"On this 85th anniversary, we pass on the baton from the generation who made that first decision for peace to a new generation of Coventrians," she said.

"As we remember, we allow our city's story to inspire us to continue the work of reconciliation in a world that needs healing and hope."

People will gather to pray and light candles alongside contributions from faith leaders and local schools.

The service will begin at 17:30 and will be led by Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry.

Guests from Germany will be joining via video link for the National Gathering of the Community of the Cross of Nails in Münster, Germany.

A specially commissioned Choral Piece Litany of Reconciliation, by Ben Ponniah, will be performed, while a peal of the cathedral bells will ring out across the city to close the event.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan said: "Sadly, although the number of people who lived through and remember the terrible events have reduced with each passing year, it's only right as a city we continue to remember all those who lost their lives and suffered the trauma of 14 November and in the aftermath.

"This period in our history also showed how, as a city, an amazing sense of community spirit and resilience came to the fore and this still remains today, along with a strong sense of civic pride."

The service and vigil are both free, with tickets available on the cathedral's website.