Artist disappointed by Godiva festival replacement

The replacement of a much-loved and popular free music festival in Coventry has been criticised by artists and guests who were disappointed with its rollout.

The annual Godiva Festival was cancelled in February by Coventry City Council, which cited industry challenges and rising costs as the reason.

A slimmed down version of the event, Godiva in the City, took place on Saturday and Sunday.

Singer Sachin Kanda said there were hardly any people in the crowd, adding: "I was very disappointed in how it went in general. You automatically assume that because it's a free event, people would jump at that."

The BBC has contacted Coventry City Council for comment.

Negative feedback about the ticketing system, stage placement and audience numbers were among the things visitors complained about online.

Kanda, a Coventry-based artist, said: "Even when I was asked to perform - it was 10 days before it happened. I didn't get time to promote it, they didn't put me on their post until about five days before the event."

The 22-year-old, who performs under the name KANDA, has collaborated with South Asian artists and producers including Panjabi MC and Dr Zeus.

The singer said there was "next to nobody there", even during a headline performance from rapper Chip - formerly known as Chipmunk.

Kanda said: "We all know Chipmunk. To have a free event, where he's the headliner and even he can't manage to pull over a hundred people, is crazy to me.

"When it got to my time, the organiser said to me this was the biggest attendance apart from Chipmunk. That was mental to me."

The songwriter also pointed out problems with the ticketing system. He said festival-goers were "ping-ponged" all over the city.

He added: "I didn't understand the ticketing system at all. I understand needing to know audience numbers, but to place things where they did, get your wristbands from one side of the city centre only to put the stages on the other side basically was mad.

"As a music consumer, I wouldn't want to go through a hassle of going here and there to get in for a free performance."

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