Coventry's creative quarter is 10 years' old

Coventry’s Creative Quarter is celebrating its 10th birthday this year.

There have been 3.5 million visits to FarGo Village since it opened its doors in Far Gosford Street on September 27, 2014.

The mix of creative independent businesses and events continues to prove popular with tenants based in the repurposed shipping containers and market place over the last decade at the site which also features The Box, a 500-capacity music, conference and events venue.

The affordable, low commitment model has allowed 140 individuals to set-up, expand or trial their independent business. 

Three current tenants are also celebrating their 10^th birthday this year – Dashing Blades Barbershop, Tag!Artwork and Beadlebop Design – with a further nine businesses marking a decade at FarGo Village in the next 18 months.

To mark its landmark birthday, FarGo Village – which was created by regeneration specialists Complex Development Projects (CDP) – is planning a series of events to give taster sessions to local people in art, making, dance, theatre, and music either for free or at a very low cost wherever possible.

A programme of fringe-type events around various themes has been organised.

FarGo Village will be working with charity partner Coventry and Warwickshire Mind throughout the anniversary programme and will be involved in several fundraising activities.

Holly Hewitt, FarGo Village Manager, said this was a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the last 10 years and look forward to the next decade at Coventry’s Creative Quarter.

“FarGo Village has really cemented itself in Coventry and the wider region as the creative hub for independent retailers, creatives and artists and we are really proud of everything that has been achieved,” she said.

“Our tenth birthday is a wonderful chance to reflect on our achievements because we are home to such a wide variety of talented creatives as well as original events and we are looking forward to the next ten years!

“We are going to be celebrating in style with a packed variety of events over the coming months to appeal to everyone in the community.

“We will be working with businesses at FarGo Village as well as community organisations and groups to encourage as many people as possible to come along and try a new activity either for free or at a low cost, and we will announce more details as the events are confirmed so please keep checking our website and social media.”