Press Release
A national competition for cities across the UK - 27 February 2012
A nationwide competition to find the UK’s City of Culture 2017 will be launched later this year, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey announced today.
Derry-Londonderry will be the first ever UK City of Culture next year and will stage a series of high profile cultural events throughout 2013. In the build up to their year in the spotlight, the city will also play a major part in the London 2012 Festival, the nationwide celebration of culture that runs alongside the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The decision to hold a second competition for the 2017 title comes as a panel of experts visits Derry-Londonderry to find out more about plans for the year.
Ed Vaizey said:
“Derry-Londonderry has taken up the challenge of being the very first UK City of Culture and promises a first rate programme of world-class culture in 2013. It’s a prestigious title and I’m delighted to announce that another city will have the chance to shine in 2017.
“As well as highlighting the fantastic artistic talent that thrives in every corner of the United Kingdom, culture can transform our communities. Next year, Derry-Londonderry will open its doors to new visitors – it could be a real springboard for future economic success.”
Derry-Londonderry was selected as the first city to hold the title by an Independent Assessment Panel chaired by Phil Redmond. The panel is in Derry-Londonderry today to meet the organisers and assess progress.
Phil Redmond said:
“I have seen first-hand the enormous impact culture had in driving change in Liverpool. I can sense that building in Derry-Londonderry as they look poised to make the most of the opportunity. Being here today I can see first-hand the huge efforts that are going in to plan a fantastic year of culture.
“It is great news that the competition will be repeated and UK City of Culture is set to become a key event in the cultural diary of the UK.”
Notes to Editors
1. Details of the UK City of Culture 2017 competition and how to enter will be announced later this year. The winner will be announced in 2013.
2. Derry – Londonderry was named the first UK City of Culture on 15 July 2010.
“Derry-Londonderry has taken up the challenge of being the very first UK City of Culture and promises a first rate programme of world-class culture in 2013. It’s a prestigious title and I’m delighted to announce that another city will have the chance to shine in 2017.
“As well as highlighting the fantastic artistic talent that thrives in every corner of the United Kingdom, culture can transform our communities. Next year, Derry-Londonderry will open its doors to new visitors – it could be a real springboard for future economic success.”
Derry-Londonderry was selected as the first city to hold the title by an Independent Assessment Panel chaired by Phil Redmond. The panel is in Derry-Londonderry today to meet the organisers and assess progress.
Phil Redmond said:
“I have seen first-hand the enormous impact culture had in driving change in Liverpool. I can sense that building in Derry-Londonderry as they look poised to make the most of the opportunity. Being here today I can see first-hand the huge efforts that are going in to plan a fantastic year of culture.
“It is great news that the competition will be repeated and UK City of Culture is set to become a key event in the cultural diary of the UK.”
Notes to Editors
1. Details of the UK City of Culture 2017 competition and how to enter will be announced later this year. The winner will be announced in 2013.
2. Derry – Londonderry was named the first UK City of Culture on 15 July 2010.
3. More information about Derry-Londonderry City of Culture 2013 is available on their website.
