Summary

  • Coventry Moves celebrates the start of the city's term as UK City of Culture

  • Events moving across the city throughout the day

  • Culminates in a special performance at 20:21

  • Live updates on Saturday 5 June

Live Reporting

Riyah Collins

  1. In pictures: Residents watch as Coventry Moves begins

    Today's Coventry Moves event started with the single voice of a woman, singing from a balcony in Spon End, and a performance by Pauline Black.

    They were joined by dancers, including the Coventry Morris Men, with local residents looking down on the action.

    Spon End
    Spon End
    Pauline Black

  2. 'A place where men can come and speak freely'

    Mark "Gibbo" Gibbins is a proud resident of Spon End, where today's event started.

    He also helps run the Coventry Men's Shed, which aims to help men with their wellbeing, health and confidence.

    He said it was important to take part in the City of Culture event to highlight "what a great area" of Coventry it is.

    Mark Gibbins

  3. Coventry City of Culture: Getting ready for the launch event

    The city will showcase its cultural heritage as it hosts arts and events throughout the year.

    It's hoped this will play a significant role for the city's prosperity - especially post-Covid.

    Coventry City of Culture: Getting ready for the launch event

    A BBC documentary has gone behind the scenes looking at the preparations for the online event that celebrates the start of Coventry's year in the spotlight.

    Watch Curtain Up On Coventry on Wednesday 9 June at 19:00 on BBC Four and afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

  4. Coventry Moves: Event starts with a song

    Coventry Moves has officially begun with an early morning event in the Spon End area of the city.

    You can watch a live stream here involving Pauline Black, lead singer of The Selecter, who is, today, representing the spirit of the River Sherbourne that runs through the area and under the city.

    Pauline BlackJoe Bailey/FiveSixPhotography

    She's performing a new song celebrating the hidden river, and is joined by a choir and dancers.

    She is the first of six "energies of the city" who will be introduced by the event organisers throughout the day - well known faces that "encapsulate the spirit of the city."

  5. City of Culture: Live updates from Coventry Moves

    Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Coventry Moves, the signature event marking the start of Coventry's year as City of Culture.

    Sun rises over Coventry as City of Culture

    You'll be able to watch the city-wide celebration unfold via the festival website and social media, as well as here on our live stream.

    The day will include the retelling "of the city's pioneering past, present and future", said organisers.

    If you happen to witness anything lovely, surprising or just want to share your experiences, you can get in touch with us via email, Twitter and Facebook.