News story

Eleven bid to become UK City of Culture 2017

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announces the places that have put their names forward.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
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The places which registered their interest had until 30 April 2013 to submit a bid to an independent advisory panel, chaired by Phil Redmond.

All 11 places met the deadline. They are:

Aberdeen, Chester, Dundee, East Kent (covering Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Thanet), Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Hull, Leicester, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, Southend on Sea, Swansea Bay (covering Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath, and Port Talbot).

The panel will now decide on a shortlist, which is expected to be announced in June 2013.

Ed Vaizey said:

This is fantastic news and shows the appetite for the prestigious ‘City of Culture’ title is in healthy supply right across the length and breadth of the country. The competition brings together communities and creates economic and social benefits and I am pleased to see so many local authorities and different partners coming together. I wish all eleven the best of luck.

Further information

Published 6 March 2013