COUNTY Durham has made it to the final four in the bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced the county has been shortlisted for the prestigious title out of the 20 places that originally applied.
The impact of securing the title could create thousands of jobs and boost the county’s creative and visitor economies by millions of pounds.
It is hoped it would act as a catalyst for further government and private sector investment across the North East.
Read more: Arrest in Willington murder inquiry over missing woman
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled.
“Our success at making it this far is of course testament to our county’s incredible heritage, landscapes and vibrant cultural offer.
“However, I think it is our ambition, and our tradition of coming together to achieve something incredible, that really set us apart.
“Securing this title would place our extraordinary people and places at the heart of an unforgettable and inclusive programme of events and activities.”
Following the announcement, Durham County Council, Durham University and Culture Durham, the partners spearheading the Durham 2025 campaign, expressed their thanks to the thousands of individuals, businesses and organisations that have not only backed the campaign, but helped to shape the bid itself.
They also issued a rallying cry to the entire region, urging people to continue to support the campaign as it moves into the crucial final stage.
Tony Harrington, chairman of Culture Durham, said: “If successful, we will make history as the first county to secure the title – a title we truly deserve. “County Durham is no ordinary county and there is a strong feeling across the region that the time is right for the UK’s City of Culture to be in the North East. It truly is our time to shine.
“As we move into this critical final stage, it’s vital we keep the momentum going and shout from the rooftops about the talent and ambition that exists in all corners of our county.”
The council submitted the bid, with principal partner Durham University, last month, on behalf of Culture Durham, a partnership of more than 20 cultural organisations from across the county including Durham Cathedral, Beamish and Locomotion.
The shortlisted locations will be visited by the judging panel in May ahead of the winner announcement later that month.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Being shortlisted is a wonderful achievement which recognises the wealth of cultural opportunities Durham has to offer.”
It is estimated the title would create an extra 2,500 jobs in Durham’s creative industries and an extra 200 creative enterprises in the county by 2029; directly supporting almost 1,000 businesses and organisations; and creating a £41.5 million spend with at least 50 per cent of contracts going to local suppliers.
It would attract more than 15 million visitors to the region, many of whom would stay overnight, helping to bring an additional visitor spend of £700 million and supporting the creation a further 1,800 jobs in the tourism sector.
Durham City MP Mary Foy said: “It is excellent news that Durham has made the final four
"This is a credit to the hard work of so many people and organisations across the County who love Durham, its history, culture and places.
"Durham is a truly unique county and more than deserving of this prestigious honour.
"I am sure that people across Durham will join me in wishing the Cultural Partnership and all involved in the bid the best of luck in the hope that ours will be the last bid standing in May.”
Arts Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “This has been a tough competition with a record 20 initial applications and eight outstanding longlist candidates, so this accolade is a real tribute to the quality of creativity on display in the region.
“I look forward to seeing what County Durham’s bid has in store next.”
---
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel