The final 14 battling to become the UK’s first City of Culture in 2013 have been announced by the Government.
Culture minister, Margaret Hodge, revealed the final list this week, and the judges who would decide.
Included are Southend, Birmingham, Hull and Derry, with Swansea also in the running.
Ms Hodge said: ‘Becoming City of Culture will help bring people together to share experiences of something challenging, enlightening – and sometimes just good fun. These 14 bidding areas now have a wonderful opportunity to bring culture into the heart – and to the forefront – of their communities.’
