A third stage to showcase more local musicians will return to a Coventry music festival, enabling it to also celebrate its twin city of Kingston, Jamaica.
The Cov ConneX Kingston Stage will be back at the Godiva Festival after organisers secured funding worth almost £30,000 from National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Around 40 city-based artists will take to the stage over the weekend with styles ranging from rap, grime, afrobeat and reggae to DJs and MCs, all about celebrating local inspiration alongside the sounds of Jamaica.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan said the stage’s return will add “something extra special and I know it will be a big attraction for all music lovers”.
The headliners this year have been confirmed as Marc Almond, Clean Bandit and Ocean Colour Scene.
Staged in Coventry’s War Memorial Park the council-organised festival runs from Friday until Sunday.
A second stage, called the Cov Stage, will also host local talent.
Councillor Naeem Akhtar described Coventry as a “great musical city.”
“Godiva is loved by so many, and with the music stages supported by a host of other attractions for families and visitors of all ages, it’s going to be another memorable weekend for the city,” he said.