Profiles

After months of planning, voting, and meetings, Coventry’s Walk of Fame is finally a reality.

Almost 3,000 votes were cast through the media and via the Coventry City Council website to find the first ten names for this special tribute.

Despite the rain, the crowds packed into the square to get a glimpse of the first ten bronze plaques – and, of course some of those recipients who were there in person.

Pop impresario Pete Waterman, Roddy and Horrace from The Specials, and athlete David Moorcroft were there to see Coventry’s tribute to their careers and contribution to the world.

Family and friends of Mo Mowlam, Sir William Lyons were also present.

The first ten names to appear in the Coventry Walk of Fame are:

• Sir Frank Whittle – Inventor of the Jet Engine
• Lady Godiva – Medieval Benefactor
• Mo Mowlam – Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
• Sir William Lyons – Founder of Jaguar Cars
• The Specials – 2-Tone Band
• James Starley – Father of the Cycle Industry
• Jimmy Hill – Coventry City Manager and Football Innovator
• Sir Henry Parkes – Father of the Australian Federation
• David Moorcroft – Athlete and World Record Holder
• Pete Waterman – Pop Impresario

The ceremony

BBC Coventry & Warwickshire were also present and Annie Othen took her show out into Priory Place to broadcast live from the ceremony. She also spoke to recipient Pete Waterman when he nominated his favourite things for her show's Time Capsule feature.

There were speeches from Pete Walters of CV1, Pete Chambers - who originally came up with the Walk of Fame idea, Pete Waterman, and from family members of some of the recipients.

The Walk of Fame anthem, They Touched The Heart of the World - which was written by Steve and Heather Taylor - opened and closed the ceremony.

So when you're next in Coventry, why not visit Priory Place and see the city's lasting tribute to its famous sons and daughters.

Constructing the Walk of Fame

As BBC Coventry & Warwickshire are based in Priory Place, we were able witness the plaques being set into the floor during the week leading up to the ceremony.

We have put together a gallery showing the progress of project: