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Celebrate Coventry’s hidden river at this year’s Autumn River Festival, taking place at Coventry Charterhouse on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September, from 11am to 4pm each day. River Festival Coventry is a weekend of creativity, community and connection to nature, suitable for all ages and interests. Let’s come together to celebrate the river that flows beneath our feet through Coventry.
This year’s Autumn River Festival is a free two-day celebration of the River Sherbourne and the vibrant creativity of Coventry’s communities. Taking place at Coventry Charterhouse, the festival offers access to the historic building, and the resident cafe serving delicious food, drink, and a warm welcome. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of live music, theatrical performances, storytelling, river walks, and hands-on arts and crafts. Families can meet Lady Good-Diver, the Sherbourne Valley Project’s much-loved otter mascot, and explore stalls hosted by local nature and heritage organisations, each sharing interactive activities and fascinating insights into Coventry’s wildlife, history, and culture. This festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Discover the buzz of our vibrant local scene, where young, talented makers and performers bring fresh energy to every corner of the town. This riverside festival is bursting with creativity, with rising musical stars sharing their voices, the festival celebrates the incredible home‑grown talent that makes our community so special. All of this unfolds against a scenic river backdrop rich in history and culture. It’s the perfect blend of heritage and new ideas, coming together in one unforgettable celebration.
SATURDAY 19TH & SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER - 11AM - 4PM
COVENTRY CHARTERHOUSE, LONDON ROAD, COVENTRY, CV1 2JR
GET YOUR FREE TICKETS
#RiverFestCov
Full Timetable will be released shortly
What will be happening at a glance?
- Live Music
- Free Facepainting
- Nature Stalls
- Crafts
- Storytelling
- Poetry
- Guided Walks
- Interactive Performances
- Lady Good-Diver Mascot
- Outdoor Games
- Self-led sensory play for babies
- Lego
- Workshops
What is River Festival about? Video from 2023's festival.
Wayfinding Information:
By road:
There is a large car park for Charterhouse visitors. National Trust members park for free (validate at the machine in reception or use the JustPark app – location ID 999745). Non-members can pay for parking at the machine in reception or via the JustPark app. Please make a note of your registration number to use the machine in reception. Parking is free for the first hour, with charges applying after this (£2.40 for up to 2 hours, £3.40 for up to 3 hours, £5.60 for up to 8 hours). There is a walk of 120 metres from the car park to the front door.
Sat Nav: Sat Nav destination: CV1 2JR What 3 Words code – ///tribe.sprint.half
On foot:
Coventry Charterhouse is less than one mile on foot from the city centre, either by walking through London Road Cemetery: Paxton’s Arboretum and across London Road, or by using the back entrance through the alleyway between 229 and 231 Humber Avenue, CV1 2AQ.
By train
Coventry Charterhouse is just a 20 minute (1 mile) walk or a short taxi ride from Coventry train station.
By bus
You can jump on the X18 (Stagecoach bus) to Stratford from Stop TS2 near Sainsbury’s in Coventry city centre, arriving on London Road right by the entrance to Charterhouse (nearest stop – Acacia Avenue) in just 10 minutes. The X18 runs every 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the 3 (National Express Coventry bus) towards Warwickshire Shopping Park from Cross Cheaping (Stop BS6) in Coventry city centre, arriving at Humber Avenue on London Road right by the back entrance to Charterhouse in just 7 minutes. The 3 runs every 15 minutes on weekdays.
It is also worth noting that this is a public space and promotional event, so photographs and video will be taken on site during the festival.
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In March 2025, we will be carrying out restoration works in Charterhouse Heritage Park with approved contractors. The project aims to re-naturalise the River Sherbourne which flows through Coventry, improving it for nature and for local communities. There will be several elements to this particular restoration project, all of which will have a positive effect on the river and surrounding area in both short-term and long-term scenarios.
In November 2024, we will be carrying out restoration works in Lake View Park with approved contractors Ecolibrium Environmental Contracting Ltd. The project will have multiple elements, including on-river and off-river restoration, which will improve features for people and nature.
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The latest Sherbourne Valley Project update reflects on the progress made across the valley, from habitat restoration and improved access to the growing involvement of volunteers and communities. The update recording showcases key sites, shared achievements and the collective effort shaping the future of the River Sherbourne.
We're offering two paid, full-time traineeships through the Sherbourne Valley Project, giving individuals hands-on experience, a recognised qualification, and the chance to work on practical environmental and heritage projects across Coventry.
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Join in the fun at Summer River Festival Coventry 2026, a free celebration of the River Sherbourne over the weekend of 6th - 7th June. There will be a packed programme of live music, theatrical performances, storytelling, river walks, and hands-on arts and crafts.
A summary of our project update and volunteer awards, which featured a festive quiz and plenty of good food. This warm and lively night recognised the dedication of everyone involved in supporting the work of the project.
