City prepares to mark 85th anniversary of blitz

Coventry was devastated by the blitz during World War Two

On 14 November 1940, Coventry was hit with the most concentrated attack on a British city in World War Two.

The German air raid involved almost 500 Luftwaffe bombers, dropping 500 tonnes of high explosives, 30,000 incendiaries and 50 landmines – killing 554 people and leaving many unaccounted for.

More than half the city's housing stock, about 43,000 homes, was damaged and it also saw the loss of its medieval church St Michael's – the only English cathedral to be destroyed during the war.

Friday marks the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz and the city has organised a number of events to remember everything the city lost during that devastating night.

Civil service and vigil

A service and vigil will take place at Coventry Cathedral

A civic event will be held at Coventry Cathedral and in the ruins on Friday with the theme of "remembering well to move forward".

Organisers said it would be a moment of reflection as well as an opportunity for people to think about "how we can work towards peace and reconciliation".

The service, led by the Dean of Coventry, the Very Reverend John Witcombe, will begin at 17:30 GMT and include contributions from schools and faith leaders.

Guests will then move on to the cathedral ruins for the sounding of two sirens at 19:10 GMT, marking the exact time of the air raid in 1940.

Great Blitz Build

A "monumental" installation inspired by the cathedral ruins will be constructed on Broadgate in the city as part of the commemorations.

Made from thousands of pieces of cardboard, the structure will be about 20m high and weigh more than one tonne.

The temporary landmark be created by artist Olivier Grossetete and the city council said it would rise as a "symbol of remembrance, resilience and the extraordinary strength found in unity".

The authority has called on members of the community to help with the construction process, with free workshops running every day at Drapers' Hall from Monday to Saturday.

The installation will then be built on Saturday and will be deconstructed on Sunday.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Great Blitz Build can sign up on the city council's website.

Coventry Blitz tour

A tour will be taking place at St Mary's Guildhall where people can learn about the city and the medieval building.

The event will take place on Friday at 11:00 GMT and will cover the city's history before, during and after World War Two.

Among the subjects covered will be ration books, Soviet exhibitions and post-war restoration, which will include photos and postcards from the archives.

Blitz Remembered

Blitz Remembered will be taking place at the cathedral ruins

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday next week, costumed interpreters will be telling the story of the blitz at the cathedral ruins while a large screen shows pictures of the loss and destruction.

The actors will portray a number of figures including Coventry's chief fire officer, an ARP (Air Raid Precautions) warden, a factory worker and a housewife who witnessed the bombing.

The drop-in event is free to attend and interpreters will be on hand to tell their stories. It will take place each day from 11:00 to 16:00 GMT.

Blitz-themed history walk

Meanwhile, a free "short and gentle" history walk will be taking place at Sherbourne Valley on Friday afternoon.

During the event, a member of Coventry Society will take people on a journey and teach them about the bombings.

The walk will take attendants to the Sluice Gate to learn how it was used by people walking up to London Road Cemetery to pay their respects.

The walk will begin at 14:00 GMT and last for about an hour and 30 minutes. People wanting to attend need to book their places online.