DURHAM’S failed bid to be named first UK City of Culture was not populist enough, judges claimed.

Limited involvement of contemporary or populist culture may have restricted the appeal of the county’s cultural programme, campaign leaders were told.

The verdict of the judging panel, which includes Sunderland-born TV presenter Lauren Laverne, was released yesterday by the team behind the Durham bid, which was left off a shortlist of four for the prize last month.

Judges, led by former Brookside producer Phil Redmond, praised Durham for a well-presented, strong bid and robust programme.

With a growing track record and well thought through delivery arrangements, the county could deliver a successful programme with significant impact, they said.

But they were concerned about the number and size of venues and other visitor infrastructure.

“Compared to the strongest bids, there is a concern that weaknesses or gaps in Durham’s cultural and visitor infrastructure might constrain its ability to sustain a high-quality cultural programme over 12 months and to generate the economic impacts sought for 2013,”

judges said.

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig said the majority of the assessment was supportive; and the feedback was valuable and pointed out where the county needed to focus and improve.

But he added: “We feel the very intimate and historic nature of Durham is one of our key strengths and what made us unique among the other bidders.”

Missing out on the City of Culture title meant Durham lost out on about £120m in potential revenue.

However, it will still host a second Lumiere light festival, the North-East’s first Ashes Test and the temporary return of the Lindisfarne Gospels, and could bid for the next title in 2017.

Councillor Henig said: “We have already felt the benefits of the bidding process which has provided a springboard to help us achieve our aspirations.

“It will spur us on to redouble our efforts and make 2013 an amazing year in Durham.”

The UK City of Culture 2013 winner will be announced this summer, from a shortlist of Birmingham, Derry/Londonderry, Norwich and Sheffield.