County Durham’s 2025 UK City of Culture bid draws closer after being shortlisted UK News

County Durham is now set to be named UK City of Culture 2025 and secure the colossal social and economic benefits this would bring.

Today the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced the county was one of only four locations in the UK to be shortlisted for the prestigious title out of 20 locations that initially applied .

The impact of securing UK City of Culture 2025 cannot be overstated. As well as creating thousands of jobs and boosting the county’s multi-million pound creative and tourism economies, it would empower residents and help improve community well-being.

Read more: Covid-19 cases rise 73.6% in County Durham where 25% of adults under 30 are unvaccinated

And those benefits would extend beyond County Durham to the wider region, with the title supporting leveling aspirations by acting as a catalyst for new government and private sector investment in the North East.

Following the announcement, Durham County Council, Durham University and Culture Durham – the partners running the Durham 2025 campaign – expressed their thanks to the thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations who not only supported the campaign, but helped shape the candidacy itself.

They also issued a rallying cry to the entire region, urging people to continue supporting the campaign as it enters the crucial final stage.

Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Amanda Hopgood, said: “We are absolutely delighted that County Durham has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2025. Our success in getting this far is of course a testament to of the incredible heritage, landscapes and cultural vibrancy of our county. to offer. However, I think it’s our ambition and tradition to come together to achieve something amazing that really sets us apart.

“Achieving this title would place our extraordinary people and places at the heart of an unforgettable and inclusive program of events and activities. It would attract more visitors, boost our economy and strengthen our reputation nationally and internationally as a place to live, work, visit and invest – all essential elements to take it to the next level.

“County Durham’s bid recognizes all of this, and we are proud that it incorporates the ideas and ambitions of hundreds of residents, creative practitioners and cultural organisations. It is thanks to them that we have come to this and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported the Durham 2025 campaign.

“Together we can bring this title home to County Durham.”

The council submitted the bid, along with lead partner Durham University, last month on behalf of Culture Durham, a partnership of more than 20 cultural organizations across the county, including Durham Cathedral, Beamish and Locomotion. Shortlisted locations will be visited by the judging panel in May before the winner is announced later in the month.

Tony Harrington, Chairman of Culture Durham, said: “All of our partners are delighted that County Durham is one step closer to being crowned UK City of Culture 2025.

“If successful, we will go down in 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 throughout the region that now is the time for the city of culture of the UK to be in the North East. It really is time for us to shine.

“As we enter this critical final stage, it is essential that we maintain momentum and shout from the rooftops for the talent and ambition that exists in every corner of our county.”

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, added: “We are delighted that Durham has been shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2025. Achieving City of Culture status would transform the county and would open up new opportunities for us to foster and build relationships between the university and the communities of County Durham.

“Being shortlisted is a wonderful achievement which recognizes the wealth of cultural opportunities Durham has to offer. As the main bid partner, we are proud that the university’s museums, collections, tourist attractions and cultural activities are an important part.

“We are delighted to continue our work with Culture Durham Partnership, Durham County Council and other partners over the coming weeks as the judges visit the shortlisted towns and make their final decision. We look forward to welcoming them to…