Fourteen modern-day Lady Godivas are gearing up to be part of one of the biggest moments in Coventry’s recent history.
The 14 Godivas are from a range of backgrounds from across the city and were selected by a panel of Coventry women from more than 140 nominations after a call out earlier in the year.
They will now play a starring role in Coventry Moves on Saturday, 5 June, which is Coventry City of Culture Trust’s online signature event.
Coventry Moves will start at 8.30am and is scheduled to run at intervals throughout the day. It is being created for people in Coventry, Warwickshire and across the UK to experience from home – online, on their radio or on their social media feeds.
Coventry Moves will help to tell the story of the city’s past, present and future and a key part of that story is the legend of Lady Godiva – a pioneer for activism and social justice whose story is known throughout the world.
The 14 Godivas have unique stories of their own which were drawn out during the nomination and selection process, making them the perfect representations of the famous figure.
They are Felicity Alsop, Alethea Balbuena, Kirsty Brewerton, Surinder Dhillon, Christine Eade, Isabelle Edgar-McCabe, Reena Jaisiah, Last Mafuba, Caitlin McCarthy, Jess McLish, Loraine Masiya Mponela, Laura Nyahuye, Pru Porretta and Christine Sugary Staple.
Many of them have been learning to ride a horse for the first time as part of filmed contributions on the day. Their exact role in the Coventry Moves story, which is being directed by Justine Themen, will emerge on the day as people watch it unfold from their homes online, on the radio and on their social media feed.
Justine said: “One of the big challenges of a year like this is how to tell a city’s traditional stories in a fresh way. Lady Godiva is a great example of that as it is a story that is known the world over but has been told many times.
“A couple of younger artists that we have collaborated with to shape the event came up with the idea of celebrating the diversity of extraordinary women who make meaningful change in our city today.
“Our Godivas – chosen from 140 plus nominations – will play a key role in Coventry Moves and prove that the heroes in 2021 are those people who work in our communities on a daily basis, something which has really been brought home over the past year.”
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to reveal our 14 inspirational modern day Godivas who will play a key role in Coventry Moves on 5 June.
“Lady Godiva embodies so much of Coventry’s spirit and history and our 14 Godivas are wonderful examples of the amazing women that continue to help shape the city we live in.
“Coventry Moves will be the signature event that really kick start our year. It will reveal the stories of Coventry, our people and our city featuring a cast of well-known faces and many other great people from our city. Everyone is invited to enjoy the show from the comfort of your own home.”
The judging panel included Charlotte Moore, Fleur Sexton, Jane Hytch, Nyasha Pitt, Reem Doukmak, Sebbie Mudhai, and Trish Adudu.
To find out more about how to experience Coventry Moves on Saturday, 5 June, go to www.coventry2021.co.uk and sign up to receive information from the Coventry City of Culture Trust.
Pictured: 12 of the 14 Modern Godivas who are gearing up to be part of Coventry Moves on Saturday, 5 June.