University Square: Skateboarders, students and tourists

In our first episode of the Our Cov soundscape series we begin by standing not far from the steps of The Herbert Art Gallery. We’re looking across University Square towards the sculpture of St Michael and the Devil, as skateboarders move around us. Soon a tour guide interrupts our thoughts with an “over here please”, ushering us to shift our gaze towards the cathedrals. We skip ahead of them to follow some students, taking the steps up along St Michael’s Way as a workman sweeps the steps and builders continue in the distance at St Mary’s Guildhall. We close the soundscape with the tunes played by accordionist Andrew, on route towards Holy Trinity Church.

It’s not compulsory, but these soundscapes are best listened to while wearing headphones! All conversations are authentic and real. The recordings were captured using a binaural microphone between January and April 2022. You can also hear these soundscapes in the accompanying storyteller episodes in our first series.

Sound design by Clare Freeman, opening music by Mintakaa. ‘Our Cov’ podcast series is a Coventry City of Culture Trust commission, created and produced by A Small Furry Bear Productions.