As County Durham holds its breath to find out if it has become the City of Culture 2025 on Tuesday (May 30) evening – we’re highlighting how celebrities, members of the public and businesses are giving the region a last push to land the ground-breaking accolade.  

Next week, the county will find out, live on BBC’s The One Show at 7pm whether it has been crowned the City of Culture in three years’ time; the first full region to do this.

It will be coming up against Wrexham, Bradford, and Southampton, who have also been shortlisted, with government minister Nadine Dorries reportedly getting the honour to announce the name of the successful bid.

Read more: County Durham to find out about City of Culture 2025 live on BBC

Over the last 18 months, County Durham has been working on its bid, which has included putting together an impressive repertoire of cultural activities and highlights, which is showcased earlier this month when the City of Culture panel visited the area.

Taking in Durham Miners’ Hall, Durham University, Seaham, and many other picturesque locations in County Durham, the bid team will have had a lot to think about after visiting.

Before the bid day of judgement arrives for County Durham, we look at what people are doing to give the county a big last push to roar it to glory.

The Northern Echo: Paula Radcliffe. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Paula Radcliffe. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

From members of the public on social media to influential people, businesses and tourist attractions, everyone has advocated for County Durham to become the first regional City of Culture.

This includes athlete Paula Radcliffe throwing her support in front of the bid recently by posting online: “Durham has always had a special place in my heart, and I fully support County Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid. What a beautiful city and county built on great tradition, great locations, and wonderful locals.”

Meanwhile, Bowes Museum has also thrown its support behind the City of Culture push by saying: “Bowes Museum is supporting County Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid. We have so many reasons we love County Durham, from the lovely people to wonderful scenery and attractions, this is a county like no other and it deserves to win.”

The Northern Echo: Bowes Museum. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.Bowes Museum. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO.

The public has also got involved with spreading the love for the county. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who will be revealing the City of Culture result, tweeted out about why each of the four locations should win.

It was abundantly clear that a lot of people in the comments section had plenty of love for County Durham.

We have a few of the responses below:

Whatever happens on Tuesday, the 2025 bid has brought the region together and inspired the culture and the best out of the region.

The best of luck to County Durham on Tuesday!  

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