The Beginners Guide to Godiva Festival
Where: War Memorial Park, Coventry
When: 1st - 3rd of July, 2016
Highlights: The Boomtown Rats, The Charlatans, Space, Scouting For Girls
Cost: FREE
You read that right. Free as in free. Admission costs zero, zilch, nada. Le rien. Not a thing. Honestly, you’d be forgiven for raising an eyebrow, we’ve all been burned by a cheap deal before and you’re probably shaking your head at fevered imaginings of rickety stages, lip syncing tribute bands and food that tastes and smells like it fell out the back of a truck on the M6. It seems too good to be true for a festival of the quality and success of Godiva to offer free entry and yet here it is celebrating it’s eighteenth year. Coventry Godiva Festival - the biggest free festival in the Midlands. And all your pals at Licklist are here to help you share in the wealth.
Step Right Up for the Right Line Up
What makes Godiva the legend that it is, as opposed to the nude ride on a horse, is its seemingly impossibly high quality line up versus its lack of admission costs. Throughout the years, Godiva has played host to the likes of The Wombats, Echo and the Bunnymen and The Human League. So what can we expect for Godiva’s 18th, its glorious ascension into adulthood? Back in 2013, Sir Bob Geldof reunited the original Boomtown Rats and the Irish punk rockers are coming to headline Godiva’s Friday night mainstage, supported by the also reformed supergroup Space to throw their own brand of Liverpudlian alt rock into the alchemy. Saturday sees The Charlatans making a magnificent return after a new album release and a difficult hiatus, gracing Godiva with a headline performance that long time fans have been crying out for since Modern Nature’s release last year. And the Sunday aperitif? Britpop superstars Scouting for Girls are coming to close out the Godiva fest; Coventry’s ladies may want to do some scouting of their own!
Listen up; Godiva’s Calling!
One of the best things about the alternative festival circuit is the celebration of grassroots talent and Godiva has been showing everyone how it’s done since its very first show in the late 90’s. Keep an eye out during the earlier slots for the winners of the Godiva Calling battle of the bands where the creme de la creme of Coventry and Warwickshire’s local talent have duked it out over dozens of venues across 4 different genres to give the hidden gems their place in the sun. Winners are still being decided but keep an eye out for the line up here http://www.godivafestival.com/ lineup to check out whose made the cut. Who knows, you may be part of the precious few to bear witness to the discovery of music’s latest tour de force.
So what else do we need to know?
Inclusivity and family fun are the names of the game here, gents - this one is open to anyone and everyone who values good music and good company over all else. It’s not a camping deal nor is it likely to be awash in the monsoon of cheap cider and alcopops that dominate the vibe at other fests. That said, Godiva won’t be skimping on the food stalls so bring an empty belly and a fat wallet. Also keep an eye out for Godiva’s vintage clothing outlet and craft stalls to keep everyone makin’ good and lookin’ good. And a bungee because, y’know, it’s a bungee and why not. Just keep reminding yourselves that there ain’t no camping at this bubby so get your accommodation sorted for the weekend. Travel deets can be found here, and the park itself is a fifteen minute walk from Coventry Train Station. With that, there’s nothing else to say other than pack up your arts and crafts, round up the crew and come get on the horse with us. We’ll see you in the crowds!
By Kyle Cairns