City culture title could bring cash windfall DURHAM’S bid to be the first British Capital of Culture could inject hundreds of millions of pounds into the region’s economy.

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig said the city and surrounding county were ready to seize the title and reap the benefits for tourism and jobs.

But he said public support for the campaign would be vital if it was to succeed.

Durham was one of the first to throw its hat into the ring after Culture Secretary Andy Burnham announced the creation of a British Capital of Culture prize.

The title, which comes with promise of hosting flagship cultural events such as the Brits and BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, will first be awarded for 2011.

Durham will face competition from towns and cities across the country, with Birmingham, Leeds, Cardiff and Oxford tipped as potential winners.

More details of the Durham bid were released yesterday, ahead of a planned public launch next week.

Coun Henig said: “This will be about building public support for the bid across County Durham.

“It is a bid that utilises our assets and this is an attempt to provide information which will build up enthusiasm among councillors and the public.”

The County Durham Partnership Board has committed £500,000 towards bid costs, and Durham County Council could underwrite it to a total of £71,000.

They make clear that attractions such as Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Cricket Ground, Durham Castle and Cathedral and Beamish Museum, near Stanley, will be key in winning over the judges.

Dates could also be added to the cultural calendar, with Durham hosting new festivals and events.

When Glasgow was named European Capital of Culture for 1990, visits to galleries, museums and theatres rose by 40 per cent.

Even Newcastle and Gateshead’s unsuccessful 2008 bid brought huge interest and investment to Tyneside, with the revitalised quayside gaining wide recognition.