Marc Almond, Clean Bandit and Ocean Colour Scene are set to headline this year’s Godiva Festival which is taking place from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July.
Across the weekend, War Memorial Park will play host to Coventry’s flagship event with a line-up packed with genres from pop to rock and 2-tone to hip hop.
Headlining the Main Stage on Friday (4 July) will be Marc Almond, best known as the vocalist of Soft Cell, who rose to prominence with the worldwide hit ‘Tainted Love’.
Selling over 30 million records worldwide, Marc cemented his solo career with number one hit, ‘Something’s Gotten a Hold of My Heart’.
Joining the Main Stage for the 80s and 90s night will be synth-pop band, Heaven 17 plus soul singer and lead vocalist of the band M People, Heather Small.
Multi award winning band, Clean Bandit, will be headlining the Main Stage at this year’s Godiva Festival on Saturday 5 July.
The chart-topping band, known for their songs ‘Rockabye’, ‘Symphony’ and ‘Rather Be’, will be closing Saturday night of the festival with a live music set. The band have had four number one singles, as well as a Grammy and an Ivor Novello award.
Getting the crowd ready for the headliner on Saturday will be popular DJ, Nathan Dawe, hip hop duo, Young T & Bugsey as well as the Panjabi Hit Squad who will be bringing hip hop, Bollywood and bhangra anthems.
Coventry musical legend and one of the founders of The Specials, Neville Staple, will also be taking to the Main Stage on Saturday 5 July.
Completing the headline acts is Ocean Colour Scene who will bring the festival to a close on Sunday (6 July) evening. The rock band formed in Birmingham in 1989 and are known for their hits ‘The Day We Caught the Train’ and ‘The Riverboat Song’.
Joining the band on the Main Stage will be Rick Parfitt Jr & The RPJ Band and YolanDa Brown: Bob Marley Songbook. Dance group Diversity will be making a return to the Main Stage after they last performed at the event in 2023.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for events at Coventry City Council, Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, said: “We are delighted to be revealing our Godiva Festival line-up for 2025.
“This year’s line-up sees international superstars taking to our stages at the War Memorial Park in Coventry alongside some of the city’s up and coming finest musical talent.
“As always, our line-up is diverse and covers a broad range of genres. We have something for everyone - there’s music, performers, activities and outdoor entertainment.
"Events such as Godiva Festival rely on the incredible support of those who purchase tickets and attend. By coming along and enjoying what’s on offer, you’re playing a vital role in securing its future at a time when festivals across the UK are facing challenges.
“The festival is incredible value for money with ticket prices frozen for 2025. Godiva Festival gives residents the opportunity to see top acts at just a fraction of the price when compared to similar events. I urge those interested in attending to purchase tickets when they go on sale at 9am on Monday 31 March at the early bird prices.”
The Cov Stage will serve as the secondary stage in the music field at this year’s event. The stage will host local Coventry talent plus other acts.
The Godiva Festival Family Field will be filled with live entertainment and interactive activities. Designed to offer a memorable experience for families, the Family Field is an inclusive and enriching experience for festival-goers of all ages.
Adult day tickets start at £7.50 at the early bird price, whilst family day tickets can be purchased from £22.50. Adult weekend tickets can be purchased from £26 whilst the early bird price is available. Go CV+ members will also be able to benefit from super concession prices.
With limited early bird tickets available, people are advised to get their tickets early to save money and avoid disappointment. Tickets will be available to buy at 9am on Monday 31 March from the Godiva Festival website where the line-up can also be found.
Godiva Festival is brought to you by Coventry City Council. Coventry College is the sponsor of the Family Field.