The 85th anniversary of the Great Blitz in Coventry will be commemorated on Friday, November 14, 2025. This date marks the air raid that devastated Coventry in 1940 and will be remembered through a series of events in Coventry city centre. The commemorations will focus on the loss, destruction and impact of the attack and Coventry’s subsequent message of peace and reconciliation. But also shine a spotlight on the renewal of the city and remembrance.
The centrepiece of commemorative activity will be the Great Blitz Build. We have commissioned artist Olivier Grossetete to create a new temporary sculpture building in cardboard in the city centre pedestrian space – Broadgate. Creating a monumental structure inspired by the old Cathedral ruins with human power, volunteers of all ages are being recruited to rebuild the city. Using cardboard this ephemeral structure will bring communities together as many hands are needed to construct the building and then collapse it. Rather than the city being defined by its buildings as iconic as they are the true spirit of the city lies in its people, its community and its enduring spirit to work together.
See the sculpture will be built across the whole day on Sat 15th November and be on display before being demolished on Sunday 16th November at 3pm.
