Hull ‘in with a very good chance’ of winning culture crown

Hull is competing against 10 other towns and cities, including Aberdeen, Chester and Hastings, for the 2017 title.

Culture portfolio holder Coun Terry Geraghty said there was a wealth of talent in the city, which has an Old Town, fine museums and an art gallery, popular festivals and a thriving arts scene. Despite swingeing cuts, budgets for the arts had been preserved and they were spending £300,000 on the annual arts extravaganza Freedom Festival.

“I think we have a very good chance of winning it,” he said. “What we need to do is make sure we have events every week of the year. We have all the new schools, and they all have beautiful new theatres.

“We are going to make sure we involve everybody, not just professionals, but amateur artists. Culture doesn’t just mean being a professional – it could be ordinary people off the estates.”

The city put in a joint bid with the East Riding for the 2013 title, alongside Sheffield, Barnsley and Bradford, but didn’t make it to the shortlist, with the title eventually going to Londonderry.

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “This is fantastic news and shows the appetite for the prestigious ‘City of Culture’ title is in healthy supply right across the length and breadth of the country. The competition brings together communities and creates economic and social benefits and I am pleased to see so many local authorities and different partners coming together.”

The 11 have until April 30 to submit initial bids. A shortlist will be announced in June.