Coventry has secured over £300,000 of Millennium Commission money to enable the city to celebrate the Millennium in style.

The grant provides added value to a massive and exciting programme of events estimated to cost £2.5m, which will firmly place Coventry on the events map. Coventry City Council is already providing £1.2m over the two years of Millennium celebrations to find a comprehensive package of events over the next 24 months, including the Spirit of Coventry Festivities programme led by Coventry & Warwickshire Promotions and Coventry City Centre Company.

The successful awards come as a result of months of hard work put in by events organisers and planners through a regional Millennium Committee, with the City Council providing the pivotal co-ordinating role, and ensuring the wide range of bidders were able to make use of their full potential to gain funding.

Councillor Mrs Christine Porch, Chair of the Council’s Events Policy Team said:

"We can now put into lace an exciting programme of performances, events and experiences which will enhance the city’s reputation right across the region.

"Winning such a large amount of funding also means more quality events can take place, ranging from innovative projects such as the Education Schools Millennium project and a virtual reality heritage trip around the city, through to the live drama and colours of the Coventry Mystery Plays and the biggest party this city has ever seen on New Yeas Eve.

"With the quality and variety of events planned. I am sure Coventry and Warwickshire people will support all events in large numbers."

The awards will also assist the City Council in its long term aim to create an exciting and vibrant city centre as Councillor Nick Nolan explained:

"Coventry City Centre is undergoing massive change with major projects underway and exciting improvements just around the corner. As a City Council we are committed to creating a city centre that everyone can feel proud of. A city centre that is alive and welcoming – that local people and visitors can enjoy."

The £316,000 grant has been awarded by the Regional Millennium Celebrations Fund, following a submission to the Fund in September 1998.