Southampton has been unveiled as a frontrunner to become the UK City of Culture in 2025, with the city shortlisted alongside Bradford, County Durham and Wrexham County Borough.
The 4 locations were approved by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries based on independent advice made to the Government by a panel of experts led by Sir Phil Redmond.
The finalists were whittled down from a record 20 initial bids to 8 outstanding longlist applications which also included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.
All bids were asked to explain how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area, as well as how they would use culture to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vast benefits of winning the prestigious title include attracting millions of pounds in additional investment to help boost regeneration, a year in the cultural spotlight with hundreds of events encouraging long-lasting participation in the arts, and growth for local tourism. It’s hoped that the Isle of Wight will benefit if Southampton was named as the City of Culture.
Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay has said:
“The UK City of Culture competition shows the important role that culture can play in levelling up our towns, cities and rural communities – bringing investment, great events, thousands of tourists, and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“We have seen a huge positive impact in this year’s host city, Coventry, with millions of pounds in investment and thousands of visitors.
Article continues below this advertisement “This has been a record year for bids, which is great to see. Congratulations to the four shortlisted places – I wish them all the best of luck.”
Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 has seen more than £172 million invested in funding music concerts, public art displays, the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, a new children’s play area in the centre of the city, the new Telegraph Hotel and improvements to public transport.
Southampton…. CITY OF CULTURE…..
More like scum bag central.
Pompey deserve it more.