Sunday saw Coventry Market set the scene for Christmas, as only the market can do. The day began with the arrival of Santa Claus and the official opening of his grotto by Councillor Linda Bigham and Councillors John and Mal Mutton and Touch FM's superb Brody Swain. The awaiting children’s faces were pictures of delight as Father Christmas took his place in the grotto along with his two helpers, and it was free gifts for the children and mince pies for their parents, happy faces all around!
Then it was over to the live stage and the first live set from Coventry legend Hazel O'Connor, including the classic song "Will You" and the song Hazel wrote for her Mum Joyce "Re-Joyce". Hazel's Mum lost her battle with cancer earlier this year, and it was Myton who helped Joyce in her latter days, it was this song that Hazel wrote for her Mum during her stay at there. The subsequent star packed CD, has helped to create a charitable legacy that sees Hazel fiercely in support for the charity. So no surprise to see her sign the CD for all of the generous shoppers, even more smiling faces in the market.
Brody Swain kept the crowd entertained, as did the Belles Of Three Spires Ladies with their vocal dexterity until it was time for Anthony Harty to take the stage, along with Janie Jones and former King Guitarist Jim Lantsbery, launching into a superb cover of The Joe Jackson song "You Got The Fever" and ending with "You’re The Best Thing" harking back to his days as bass player in The Style Council, superb stuff. Flying sharks took to the air, children got their faces painted, and the amazingly brilliant (in the true sense of the word) Merry Glow Round was free for the day, it really was a perfect family day.
Before Hazel’s second amazing set Councillor Bigham handed some important market cheques over to Hazel for Myton Hospice, collected from the Market Traders and CD sales, it came to over £700, and a further £250 for The Harry Mosely Charity. Then it was ticket time, and that big prize draw, time to find out who was going to be lucky enough to win all you need for Xmas courtesy of The Market. A prize that includes the tree, fresh fish, vegetables, turkey, nuts, chocolates, beer, cake, flowers, cheese and champagne, in fact all the food you would could ever need and the lucky ticket was won by a very happy Kev Fawkner, who was there with his daughter. So even more warm smiles on a cold day and so ended another top rate event from Coventry Market