Coventry museum founder amazed to be shortlisted for tourism award

Pete Chambers is one of ten finalists that have a chance to claim the Tourism Superstar award

A museum founder has said he was absolutely amazed to be shortlisted for a national tourism award.

Pete Chambers opened the Coventry Music Museum more than ten years ago to share the city's music legacy.

The 67-year-old is one of ten finalists to be nominated for the Tourism Superstar 2024 award, run by VisitEngland.

"If I won this award, it would help highlight the museum, celebrate Coventry and ska music," he said.

The Tourism Superstar award is an annual competition which celebrates the dedication of people in the tourism industry.

Mr Chambers said he was over the moon to discover that one of the museum volunteers had nominated him for the award.

Since the nomination, hundreds of people have contacted him on social media with messages of support.

The museum features memorabilia from Coventry's music history

"I'm absolutely mind-blown, I've been inundated with responses and I want to thank everyone," he said.

His museum in Coventry is run entirely by volunteers and features exhibits from bands like The Specials and The Selecter.

He described every week at the museum as an adventure that the team loves to be a part of.

"It's the people that come in, you never know who you're gonna get and there's so many different stories to tell."

Voting is open until 24 March on VisitEngland's website.