Python Michael Palin backs Steel City's bid to be culture capital

COMEDIAN, actor and TV presenter Michael Palin has backed Sheffield's bid to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

He said that the nature of the city where he grew up had played a "large part" in the success of his career.

Palin said: "Growing up in Sheffield, I was very much aware of the close-knit character of the city and its very strong and particular sense of identity.

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"Partly because of the geography of the city, its hills and valleys, and partly because it was, at that time, not well-served by transport links, I grew up absorbing the very independent spirit of the place.

"I think this independent spirit helped me very much in my career. It encouraged me to think for myself and not to become part of any comfortable or complacent metropolitan elite.

"Someone once noted that all the Monty Python team were provincials and I think that coming from Sheffield gave me a fresh and unconventional outlook on life which has helped me in my creative work and been with me ever since."

He added: "The spirit that makes Sheffielders so distinctive has enabled them to deal with the change from Steel City to a much more creative city of the future."

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Sheffield is competing against three other shortlisted cities – Derry, Birmingham and Norwich – to be named the first UK City of Culture.

The four cities will be required to submit a final bid on May 21, and the winner will be announced in early July.

Paul Billington, director of culture at Sheffield Council, said: "There is no one better travelled than Michael Palin.

"Therefore, to think that he still has so much admiration and respect for Sheffield is a great reflection on the qualities of his home city."