On 22 May 1948 the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, laid the foundation stone for the rebuilding of Coventry city centre after it had been devastated after the war. Most of Broadgate and the surrounding area had been flattened by bombing, and there were ambitious new plans to make the centre a fine example of modern town development.

The precinct was the first traffic-free shopping street in Europe, although originally it was planned that what are now Market Way and Smithford Way would carry local traffic. Through traffic however, was to be excluded from the city centre. This would avoid the turmoil of the old narrow shopping streets and add to the safety and comfort of shoppers, as well as to the convenience of traders.

This traffic-free concept was adopted by cities and towns throughout the world, all based on the pioneering work carried out in Coventry.

The main shopping and business centre of Coventry, together with the city's cultural and civic centre, were to be contained within the area bounded by the inner ring road - the area for which the City Centre Company is now responsible.

Now after 50 years of development in the city centre, there is to be a ceremony to mark the birthday. The Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, Bob Taylor, is to unveil the newly refurbished foundation stone on 22 May. The stone is located in the right hand pillar at the top of the Precinct, opposite and looking towards Cathedral Lanes.

The two day event which runs from 3pm to 9pm on Friday and from noon to 6pm on Saturday will open on the Friday with a cavalcade of historic vehicles and, in the afternoon feature a flypast of aircraft of the era. The highlight of the Friday birthday celebration will be a free firework display in the city centre. Saturday will see a celebration of the music from the last fifty years and feature some of the top local bands. Both days will also see a range of displays and entertainment provided in other areas of the city centre. So come and join our party in the Precinct for what promises to be one of the year's top events.

ANNIVERSARY EVENTS - 22 & 23 MAY

Cars, planes and music of the last 50 years ...

Win tea-dance tickets ...

Do you know Janet Parbury or Una McMahon? They spoke to Princess Elizabeth ...

Artists impressions, architects models, photographs ...