Massive monsters take over Coventry rooftops in time for Halloween
If you’re visiting Coventry City Centre this October, you’d better be prepared for an invasion, since eight massive monsters are making a temporary home here in time for Halloween!
Descending on Coventry rooftops from 24-31 October, the mischievous monsters have been designed by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, and form part of a public art trail designed to encourage residents to rediscover their city.
Here at the Belgrade, we’ll be getting “hands on” with the project – quite literally, since a giant green hand will be grabbing hold of the theatre roof!
Families are encouraged to take on the role of “Monster Detectives”, scouring the city streets to track down and give names to all the monsters, filling them in on the trail map which is available to download here.
The monsters will be keeping watch over the city day and night throughout the half-term break, and some will even be illuminated to help with after-dark monster hunting.
While following the trail, visitors are encouraged to visit and enjoy the attractions, shops, bars and restaurants which have safely reopened after lockdown with new measures in place.
Visitors are also reminded to wear face coverings and maintain a two-metre distance from anyone outside of their own household.
The monster trail is just one of several events happening in the city centre this half-term, and will coincide with a number of events at the Belgrade including:
- Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show – a “deliciously dark” outdoor performance from digital theatre innovators imitating the dog
- Black Futures – a range of exhibitions, workshops and performances taking place inside the building and online
- The Snail and the Whale – a livestreamed screening of a seafaring adventure for younger children, adapted from the much-loved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The production will also be available to watch at home, incorporating an interactive chat function as part of the show.
For more information about other events taking place across the city centre, check the Visit Coventry website.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Events, said:
“I am delighted that we are able to present such an imaginative and enjoyable event in Coventry. These monsters are unlike anything we have seen in the city before and I am looking forward to seeing people in their family bubbles safely enjoying what will be a fun experience for everyone.
“Many city centre businesses have worked really hard to re-open and be ready to welcome local residents and visitors back. So, I encourage people to take advantage of this and visit many of the great attractions on offer during half term.
“However, while we are thrilled to have such an exciting event in the city centre, it’s vitally important that families ensure they can view it as safely as possible. That’s why I want to stress that when you visit Coventry to follow the trail, you must keep following the social distancing guidelines and have no more than six people in your group. Maintain that two-metre distance, ensure you wash your hands, wear a face covering and follow any instructions you see in the city centre.”
Trish Willetts, Director of Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), added:
“The trail is just one part of Visit Coventry’s excellent #RediscoverYourCoventry campaign. Visit Coventry, alongside Coventry Business Improvement District and key city partners, are working together to deliver the campaign, which promotes Coventry’s tourism, retail and hospitality businesses, as well as encouraging visitors and residents alike to safely return and enjoy the city’s attractions, hotels, shops, bars and restaurants that are now open again following the coronavirus lockdown.”
The #RediscoverYourCoventry campaign was initiated by the Visit Coventry team as part of an ongoing promotion to encourage people safely back into the city.
