City of culture venue 'won't affect Edinburgh plans'

Edinburgh Fringe operator Assembly is to open a major pop-up venue in Coventry to celebrate its role as the UK’s city of culture this year

The Assembly Festival Garden, will mimic the company’s usual August set-up in George Square Gardens, and offer three performances spaces: a 1,000-seat, double-decker spiegeltent (pictured), a smaller 180-seat tent and an outdoor venue.

The space will be the ‘centrepiece’ for events running  from July 1 to mid-October,  said Coventry City of Culture Trust.

Meanwhile, Assembly says the news will not affect its commitment to Edinburgh, saying: ‘We are resolutely focused on being part of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, pending the necessary support and guidance from the Scottish Government and the City of Edinburgh Council.’

Artistic director William Burdett-Coutts, said: ‘Assembly has been at the heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the past 40 years, and we were honoured to be invited by the City of Culture Trust to play a part in this year’s celebrations in Coventry.

‘The team can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best and creating a fun-filled festival centre which is set to delight audiences from Coventry and beyond’

George Duggins, the leader of Coventry City Council, added: ‘It is brilliant news that Assembly will be running such a key events space right in the heart of the city centre. Assembly Festival Garden will offer something new and exciting to the city for residents and visitors to enjoy.’

Published: 18 May 2021