Events in Coventry

The Bolton Food and Drink Festival returns to central Bolton for its monumental 21st anniversary celebration, establishing itself as one of the premier food and culture events in the North West of England. Organized directly by Bolton Council, this grand four-day outdoor festival transforms Victoria Square, Le Mans Crescent, and the historic Albert Halls into a thriving celebration of international gastronomy, regional produce, and family entertainment. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of food enthusiasts across the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival highlights the very best of British artisan food culture, independent hospitality, and creative cooking talent. Celebrity Chef Masterclasses and Interactive Demos A central cornerstone of the festival program is the world-class lineup of celebrity and regional chef masterclasses hosted inside the Albert Halls and main festival kitchens. World-renowned culinary icons, including Michelin-starred chefs and famous television personalities, demonstrate their signature recipes, share insider techniques, and discuss seasonal ingredient sourcing. Attendees can book tickets for exclusive intimate masterclass sessions, Q&A panels, and live cookery demonstrations. These live stage shows offer both amateur cooks and seasoned foodies direct inspiration, kitchen secrets, and unique insights into modern gastronomy. Extensive Artisan Street Food Market and Local Produce Sprawling across the town centre, the festival marketplace features more than 200 artisan food stalls, independent pop-up bars, and specialty craft producers. Visitors can embark on a global tasting journey featuring authentic street food ranging from wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, sizzling Asian dumplings, and aromatic Indian curries to gourmet British pies, vegan delicacies, and hand-crafted patisseries. Alongside ready-to-eat dishes, the market hosts independent regional farmers, cheese makers, gin distillers, and microbreweries, allowing guests to sample and take home high-quality local goods made across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Family-Friendly Entertainment and Live Music Designed to engage visitors of all ages, the Bolton Food and Drink Festival offers a full schedule of free family entertainment and interactive youth zones. Children can participate in hands-on cooking classes, creative arts and crafts sessions, and interactive street theater games. Complementing the culinary attractions, multiple music stages showcase live acoustic performers, regional indie bands, brass ensembles, and tribute acts throughout each day. The lively, inclusive atmosphere creates the ultimate community gathering spot for families, friends, and holiday visitors. Supporting the Local Economy and Community Beyond celebrating great food, the festival serves as a vital economic engine for the borough, promoting local hospitality businesses, town center retailers, and independent traders. Bolton Council prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and environmental responsibility throughout the festival footprint, providing recycling facilities, accessible seating areas, and smooth transport connections. By uniting local heritage with international culinary excellence, the festival reinforces Bolton's reputation as a top cultural destination. Visitor Planning and Transport Details The festival site opens daily from 10:00 AM across Victoria Square and surrounding streets. While access to the street food market, live music stages, and outdoor entertainment is entirely free, tickets for premium celebrity chef demonstrations and special dining experiences can be booked online in advance. Located conveniently within walking distance of Bolton Interchange (train and bus station) and central parking structures, the venue is easily accessible for visitors traveling from Manchester, Preston, and beyond. Join Bolton Council for an extraordinary Bank Holiday weekend celebrating food, flavor, and community.

The University of Suffolk warmly invites prospective students, families, and adult learners to our upcoming Undergraduate Open Day on the waterfront campus in Ipswich. Choosing the right university is one of the most critical decisions in your academic and professional journey, and our Open Day is specifically structured to give you a comprehensive, real-world taste of higher education. Situated in the heart of East Anglia along Ipswich’s scenic harbor, our modern campus provides a close-knit, supportive, and career-focused learning environment. Whether you are a current sixth-form student evaluating degree courses, a college student exploring progression routes, or an adult learner returning to education to unlock new career trajectories, this event offers complete access to academic faculty, student ambassadors, and campus infrastructure. Explore Specialized Academic Disciplines and Subject Talks Throughout the day, attendees can participate in dedicated subject talks led by passionate university lecturers and industry-experienced academics. These interactive sessions cover a diverse spectrum of undergraduate degree programs, including Business, Computing, Cyber Security, Health Sciences, Creative Arts, Psychology, and Education. Each academic talk provides detailed insights into module structures, assessment methods, practical research opportunities, and regional placement partnerships. Furthermore, drop-in sessions allow you to sit down one-on-one with course directors to discuss specific entry requirements, foundation year pathways, and personal statement strategies, ensuring you receive tailored advice for your chosen field. Experience State-of-the-Art Facilities and Campus Life A highlight of the Open Day is the opportunity to tour our modern academic facilities and specialized training spaces. Guided by current undergraduate student ambassadors, guests can explore our state-of-the-art health simulation suites, clinical skill wards, digital art studios, high-performance computing labs, and collaborative study hubs. In addition to academic buildings, tours will showcase our high-quality student accommodation facilities located right on campus, giving prospective applicants a clear view of daily living conditions, room layouts, and residential support networks. You will also get a firsthand look at the vibrant Students’ Union, social spaces, dining outlets, and scenic harbor surroundings. Comprehensive Student Support and Financial Guidance Navigating university applications and higher education finance can feel complex, but our specialist staff will be available throughout the event to guide you through every step. Dedicated presentations and advisory desks will cover student tuition loans, maintenance grants, bursaries, and scholarship eligibility. The University’s Admissions Team will be on hand to assist with UCAS application queries, entry qualifications, and clearing advice. Additionally, representatives from our Student Life and Wellbeing team, Disability and Accessibility Services, and Careers & Employability Team will provide information on ongoing pastoral care, study support, and graduate employment initiatives. Engage with Our Student Community Nothing compares to hearing directly from those who are currently studying at the University of Suffolk. Throughout the Open Day, current undergraduates will share their personal experiences regarding academic life, balancing study with social activities, moving to Ipswich, and participating in student societies. Visitors are encouraged to ask candid questions about course workloads, student life on campus, local amenities, and living in Suffolk. We look forward to welcoming you to Ipswich and helping you take the next exciting step in your educational journey!

Celebrate the beauty of nature and the romance of the outdoors at the My Fair Weddings Summer Garden Gala. Located at the stunning Coombe Abbey Hotel on the outskirts of Coventry, this event is a celebration of all things botanical, whimsical, and sustainable. This showcase is designed for couples who dream of a garden wedding, a marquee celebration, or a floral-filled indoor event that brings the outside in. The Summer Garden Gala takes advantage of its breathtaking surroundings, with many exhibits located within the venue’s beautifully manicured gardens. Walk through "Marquee Row," where different styles of outdoor structures—from traditional petal-pole marquees to modern stretch tents—are fully decorated to give you a real sense of space and style. Inside each marquee, you’ll find different themes, such as "Boho Chic," "English Country Garden," and "Tropical Paradise." Sustainability is a key theme of this event. We have invited vendors who specialize in eco-friendly wedding solutions, such as biodegradable confetti, locally sourced seasonal catering, and jewelry designers who use recycled metals and ethical gemstones. You can speak with our "Eco-Wedding Consultant" to learn how to reduce the carbon footprint of your big day without compromising on luxury or style. The entertainment at the Summer Garden Gala is perfectly suited to the theme, featuring lawn games, acoustic folk bands, and even a pop-up gin bar set in a converted vintage horsebox. As you wander through the grounds, you’ll encounter "Living Statues" and floral artists creating bouquets in real-time. It’s an immersive experience that goes beyond a traditional trade show. To finish the day, join us for the "Grand Garden Finale" on the lawn, featuring a display of outdoor wedding lighting, from festoon lights to professional pyrotechnics. This event is not just about finding vendors; it’s about experiencing the potential of your wedding day in a setting that inspires creativity. Whether you are planning a grand estate wedding or an intimate garden party, the Summer Garden Gala provides the perfect inspiration and connections to make it happen.

The Modern Manor Experience is where contemporary style meets suburban charm. Hosted at the stylish Village Hotel Coventry, this event is the ultimate destination for couples who want a wedding that is sleek, fun, and tech-forward. My Fair Weddings has curated this event to reflect the changing landscape of modern celebrations, focusing on innovation, digital integration, and social media-worthy moments. One of the highlights of the Modern Manor Experience is the "Digital Wedding Hub." Here, tech experts demonstrate the latest in wedding apps, digital RSVPs, and even 360-degree photo booths that provide instant social media sharing. We also feature drone photographers who can show you how to capture stunning aerial footage of your venue and guests, providing a perspective that traditional photography simply cannot match. The exhibitor list includes a wide range of modern services, such as "Glitter Bars" for evening receptions, gourmet food trucks offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to vegan tacos, and mixologists who can help you design a signature cocktail for your big day. We believe that a wedding should be a reflection of the couple's lifestyle, and this event provides the tools to create a celebration that is uniquely yours. For those interested in fashion, the runway show at the Modern Manor Experience focuses on "The After-Party Look." See the latest trends in reception jumpsuits, short bridal dresses, and bold, colorful suits for grooms. This high-energy show is designed to get you excited for the party aspect of your wedding day. The event also includes a "Wellness and Beauty Wing," where brides and grooms can consult with skincare experts, makeup artists, and hair stylists. You can enjoy mini-makeovers and hair trials to see which looks suit you best before booking. Our goal is to ensure you feel like the best version of yourself when you walk down the aisle. With a vibrant atmosphere, modern vendors, and a focus on the "new" in weddings, the Modern Manor Experience is an essential date in the Coventry wedding calendar.

Experience the magic of a historic setting combined with modern wedding elegance at the Cathedral Splendour Fair. This event is hosted in one of Coventry’s most iconic architectural locations, providing a dramatic and romantic atmosphere that is simply unmatched. My Fair Weddings is proud to present a boutique-style event that focuses on quality, craftsmanship, and the heritage of the West Midlands wedding industry. The Cathedral Splendour Fair is specifically tailored for couples who are looking for a touch of timeless class. The exhibitors selected for this event are specialists in their fields, offering high-end services that cater to traditional, vintage, and contemporary tastes alike. From bespoke stationary designers who use letterpress and gold-leaf techniques to luxury transport providers showcasing vintage Rolls Royces and modern supercars, the variety is exceptional. Attendees will have the chance to participate in several "Mini-Masterclasses" throughout the afternoon. These sessions cover a range of topics, including "How to Choose Your Signature Wedding Scent," "DIY Sustainable Table Decor," and "Mastering the Art of the Wedding Toast." These workshops are interactive and provide practical skills that you can take home and apply to your own celebration. Music plays a vital role in the ambiance of this fair. We have curated a lineup of live acoustic performers, string quartets, and gospel choirs who will perform throughout the day, allowing you to audition potential entertainment in a live setting. The acoustics of the venue provide a stunning backdrop for these performances, making it a sensory delight for all visitors. In addition to the vendors, we provide a "Groom's Den," a space specifically designed for the gentlemen to relax, enjoy a craft beer, and speak with tailors specializing in bespoke suits and accessories. This ensures that the wedding planning process is an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Whether you are at the very beginning of your journey or just looking for those final finishing touches, the Cathedral Splendour Fair offers a curated selection of the very best the industry has to offer.

The Grand Belfry Showcase is the premier wedding planning experience in the heart of the West Midlands. This meticulously curated event brings together the most sought-after wedding professionals under one roof, providing an unparalleled opportunity for engaged couples to transform their dreams into a tangible reality. Set against the backdrop of one of Coventry’s most prestigious venues, this event is designed to inspire, educate, and facilitate the perfect wedding journey. Upon entering the showcase, guests will be greeted with a glass of chilled Prosecco, setting the tone for a day of luxury and exploration. The event features a diverse array of exhibitors, ranging from award-winning bridal boutiques showcasing the latest 2026 collections to bespoke cake designers offering delectable tastings. Our floral designers will be on-site with live installations, demonstrating how to blend seasonal blooms with contemporary aesthetics to create breathtaking ceremony and reception spaces. One of the standout features of the Grand Belfry Showcase is the "Expert Lounge," where couples can book complimentary 15-minute consultations with seasoned wedding planners. Whether you are struggling with budget management, guest list logistics, or finding a unique theme that reflects your personality, our experts are here to provide professional guidance. Additionally, the event hosts two high-energy runway shows throughout the day, featuring bridal wear, groom’s attire, and bridesmaid fashion, choreographed to modern soundtracks. Photography and cinematography also take center stage, with several of the UK's top visual storytellers presenting their portfolios. You can discuss different styles—from traditional and classic to documentary and avant-garde—to ensure your memories are captured exactly as you imagine. For those looking for that extra "wow" factor, our entertainment section includes live bands, harpists, and even unique options like roaming magicians and digital caricaturists. We understand that wedding planning can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve designed this showcase to be a relaxed, enjoyable day out. With plenty of seating areas, a dedicated cafe serving artisanal refreshments, and exclusive "on-the-day" discounts from many of our vendors, you’ll find everything you need to tick off your wedding to-do list with confidence and style. Join us for a day dedicated to love, creativity, and the joy of a perfectly planned wedding.

The Green Building & Urban Design Seminar is a specialized event for architects, planners, and construction professionals in Coventry. With the city undergoing significant regeneration, the focus is now on creating a "Climate Resilient City." This seminar explores the latest advancements in sustainable architecture, from Passivhaus standards to the integration of living walls and green roofs in high-density urban environments. The seminar starts with a focus on "Low-Carbon Construction Materials." Experts from the building materials industry will present the latest innovations in timber engineering, recycled concrete, and low-carbon insulation. Climate Change Solutions Ltd. will provide a session on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for new developments, teaching attendees how to calculate the embodied carbon of their projects from inception to demolition. This technical knowledge is increasingly required for modern planning approvals in the UK. The second half of the day focuses on "Urban Climate Adaptation." As extreme weather events become more frequent, urban areas must be designed to manage heatwaves and heavy rainfall. Landscape architects will share best practices for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and urban cooling strategies. The seminar also includes a guided tour of a local "Green Building" project in Coventry, providing a first-hand look at sustainable design in action. This event is essential for those involved in shaping the built environment of the West Midlands. It offers a rare opportunity to learn from specialists in both carbon mitigation and climate adaptation. Attendees will gain the technical skills and creative inspiration needed to design buildings that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible and future-proofed against a changing climate.

The Sustainable Supply Chain Summit arrives in Coventry at a time when transparency and ethical sourcing are paramount for corporate success. This high-level conference is designed for procurement professionals and logistics managers who are tasked with reducing Scope 3 emissions. The summit provides a deep dive into the complexities of modern global supply chains and offers localized strategies for the UK market. The morning sessions will analyze the latest regulatory changes regarding environmental reporting and carbon disclosure. Legal experts will join Climate Change Solutions Ltd. consultants to discuss the implications of upcoming UK sustainability legislation. Understanding these legal frameworks is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding the risks associated with "greenwashing." The conference emphasizes data-driven decision-making, showcasing software tools that allow for real-time tracking of carbon data across multi-tier supplier networks. In the afternoon, the summit focuses on the "Circular Logistics" model. Case studies will be presented by major automotive and manufacturing firms based in the West Midlands, demonstrating how they have successfully integrated recycled materials and reduced packaging waste. These practical examples provide a roadmap for other sectors to follow. The event also features a "Supplier Matchmaking" session, allowing buyers to connect with pre-vetted green suppliers from across the UK. For professionals in the logistics and manufacturing hubs of Coventry, this summit is an invaluable opportunity to stay ahead of market trends. As consumers and investors increasingly demand environmental accountability, the ability to demonstrate a low-carbon supply chain has become a primary differentiator. Attendees will leave with a clear implementation plan to enhance their organization’s resilience and sustainability credentials.

The West Midlands Renewable Energy Expo is the premier regional event for the clean energy sector, hosted in the heart of Coventry. This large-scale exhibition brings together the brightest minds in wind, solar, and hydrogen technology. As the UK strives toward its 2050 targets, this expo serves as a critical junction for developers, investors, and engineers to share insights and forge new partnerships. The expo floor will feature over 50 exhibitors ranging from multinational energy providers to niche technology startups. The primary focus of this year’s event is "Energy Security through Diversification." Sessions will delve into the technicalities of grid integration for decentralized energy sources and the role of battery storage in stabilizing local power networks. Professional engineers will find the technical seminars particularly valuable, as they cover the latest British Standards for renewable installations. A highlight of the expo is the "Innovation Pitch," where regional startups present their climate solutions to a panel of venture capitalists and industry veterans. This provides a unique glimpse into the future of energy in the UK. Climate Change Solutions Ltd. will be hosting a dedicated pavilion focused on professional consultancy for large-scale solar farm developments and planning permissions. Beyond the technical exhibits, the event emphasizes the socio-economic benefits of the renewable shift. Keynote addresses will highlight job creation in the "Green Collar" sector and the potential for Coventry to become a hub for hydrogen research. This expo is essential for anyone involved in the infrastructure, planning, or financing of the UK's energy future. Whether you are looking to procure new technology or find a strategic partner, the West Midlands Renewable Energy Expo offers the ideal environment for professional growth and industry advancement.

The Coventry Net Zero Innovation Forum represents a pivotal gathering for leaders dedicated to decarbonising the West Midlands. As the climate crisis accelerates, the need for localized, actionable solutions has never been more urgent. This event focuses specifically on the intersection of industrial heritage and future-proof green technology. Attendees will engage with keynote speakers from leading environmental consultancies and local government bodies to explore how Coventry can lead the UK in sustainable urban development. The core objective of this forum is to facilitate a bridge between academic research and commercial application. By showcasing successful pilot projects within the city, such as high-efficiency heat pump installations and electric fleet transitions, the event provides a blueprint for businesses of all sizes. The morning sessions are dedicated to policy updates and funding opportunities, particularly focusing on grants available for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) looking to reduce their carbon footprint. During the afternoon, the forum shifts into interactive breakout sessions. These workshops are designed to tackle specific challenges, such as retrofitting older commercial buildings and optimizing supply chains for circularity. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with "Climate Change Solutions Ltd" experts who offer bespoke carbon auditing services. This is not just a theoretical discussion; it is a practical workshop aimed at producing immediate results for the local economy. Networking remains a cornerstone of the forum. A dedicated exhibition space will feature local innovators presenting cutting-edge tools for energy monitoring and waste reduction. By the conclusion of the day, delegates will walk away with a comprehensive toolkit for implementing sustainability within their own organizations. This event is a call to action for the Coventry business community to embrace the green transition not just as a regulatory necessity, but as a significant competitive advantage in the modern global market.

Digital Manufacturing 2Day returns to Coventry in October 2026 with a special emphasis on "The Metrology Backbone." This conference and networking event explores how measurement data serves as the foundation for the entire digital thread in modern manufacturing. While many events focus on the "how" of measurement, this event focuses on the "where to" – investigating how metrology data flows from portable devices into PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems and ERP databases to inform business decisions. The event features a comprehensive agenda covering the lifecycle of a digital part. It starts with the "As-Built" measurement of components using portable arms and scanners, moving through to the creation of high-fidelity Digital Twins. Speakers from the aerospace, marine, and energy sectors will present case studies on how they use portable metrology to monitor structural health and predict maintenance needs before failures occur. The "2Day" format is designed to be high-impact, with fast-paced presentations followed by "Deep Dive" breakout rooms where attendees can grill experts on data security and interoperability. One of the most anticipated segments is the "Metrology in the Cloud" session, which examines how decentralized teams can collaborate on measurement results in real-time. This is particularly relevant for global supply chains where a part measured in Coventry must be verified by a design team in another country. By attending, delegates will gain a roadmap for transforming their measurement department from a "gatekeeper" of quality into a "data provider" for the entire enterprise.

As industrial robots become more prevalent, the need for high-precision calibration and real-time guidance has skyrocketed. The Robotics & Automation Metrology Summit (RAMS) 2026 is a deep-dive conference and workshop event held at the MTC in Coventry, focusing on the intersection of measurement science and robotic movement. This event addresses the fundamental shift from "blind" robots to "metrology-guided" automation, where portable sensors act as the eyes of the machine. The summit provides a unique 600-word deep dive into the technicalities of robot cell calibration. Experts from top UK universities and global robotics firms discuss the use of laser trackers for Volumetric Compensation, enabling standard industrial robots to achieve the precision levels of high-end CNC machines. The program includes intensive sessions on "Sensor Fusion," explaining how photogrammetry and LiDAR can be combined to give mobile robots 360-degree spatial awareness in complex factory layouts. A highlight of the 2026 summit is the "Metrology-Enabled Assembly" demonstration, where two collaborative robots use integrated scanners to assemble a mock aerospace wing-box without the use of fixed tooling. This demonstrates the "flexible factory" concept, where portable metrology replaces expensive, rigid jigs. The summit concludes with a panel on "Standardizing Robot Metrology," discussing new ISO standards currently in development. This event is essential for any organization looking to future-proof their automation strategy through the lens of precision measurement.