Festival celebrating river returns to city

Activities will include mural painting and storytelling sessions (archive image)

A free festival celebrating a river in Coventry is to return next weekend.

People can learn about the significance of the Sherbourne at River Fest, an event held at FarGo Village which will include guided walks to the river, live music and theatre shows.

Organiser The Sherbourne Valley Project previously said the river had slowly been forgotten, largely buried underground in the city centre.

One of the scheme's aims is for the Sherbourne to be "more accessible to people along its length".

Activities at River Fest, which takes place on 7 and 8 September, include mural painting, storytelling sessions, hands-on crafts and other workshops.

People can have photos taken with The Sherbourne Valley Project's otter mascot, Lady Good-Diver.

Activities will showcase the creativity, culture and passion of the local community, according to organisers.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is also involved in the festival and the event is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Green spaces

Work on a £2.4m project is under way to open up the Sherbourne.

As part of the plans, a pedestrianised riverside space will be created on Palmer Lane in the city centre.

The riverbed will be naturalised, with landscaping and lighting structured around it.

The Sherbourne Valley Project's aims overall include improving the river and its associated habitat for wildlife.

It also intends for Coventry residents to "feel connected" to the Sherbourne and the surrounding green spaces.

River Fest will be held at FarGo Village on Far Gosford Street between 11:00 and 16:00 BST on both days.