County Durham being shortlisted to be City of Culture 2025 has been acclaimed across the political spectrum.
It was on Friday the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced the county was one of just four locations from across the UK to be shortlisted for the prestigious title out of the 20 places that originally applied.
The bid was submitted last month and involves a partnership of more than 20 cultural organisations from across the county also including Durham Cathedral, Beamish and Locomotion.
Read more: County Durham’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid moves a step closer after making shortlist
The shortlisted locations - County Durham, Bradford, Wrexham and Southampton - will be visited by the judging panel in May ahead of the winner announcement later that month.
If successful, Durham will not only be the first county to win the title, it could provide a much needed economic boost to the region.
Labour's Grahame Morris, MP for Easington in County Durham, said: “I am delighted that County Durham has advanced to the final stages in our bid for the capital of culture.
"We live in a beautiful county rich with history, heritage, and natural beauty. There is amazing diversity across the area, including a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Durham Dales and one of the most famous open-air living museums.
"East Durham is home to an award-winning heritage coastline, Castle Eden Dene’s ancient woodland and the Easington Nature Reserve. We have one of Britain’s oldest Saxon Churches, the UK’s favourite piece of outdoor artwork, a luxury five-star spa, Peterlee Parachute Centre, and Seaham Marina.
"Our culture, history and heritage is vast and varied, ranging from Lord Byron to Billy Elliot, the Lubetkin Theatre and the People’s Arts Café, the East Durham Artist Network and Spectrum Cultural Hub. Our industrial heritage lives through our miner’s banners, and the brass bands proudly showcased at Durham Big Meeting every year.
"East Durham is a crown jewel of the County, and I hope through the capital of culture bid we will encourage more people to visit and share our heritage.”
Meanwhile City of Durham MP, Labour's Mary Foy, said: "It is excellent news that Durham has made the final four. "This is a credit to the hard work of so many people and organisations across the County who love Durham, its history, culture and places.
"Durham is a truly unique county and more than deserving of this prestigious honour. I am sure that people across Durham will join me in wishing the Cultural Partnership and all involved in the bid the best of luck in the hope that ours will be the last bid standing in May."
North Durham MP, Labour's Kevan Jones had some critical words saying he had little information on the bid.
He said: "I've asked for a briefing on the bid twice but have had no reply. If they want the county to get behind the bid you'd have thought they'd at least brief the local MP about it."
The Durham 2025 campaign is being spearheaded by Durham County Council, Durham University and Culture Durham.
Responding to his comments, Lib Dem councillor Amanda Hopgood, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “The Durham 2025 campaign is a real team effort and we know it will continue to be so as we enter into the final stages.
“Support for the bid has been overwhelming and has come from across the county and beyond. We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of individuals, businesses and organisations who have not only backed the Durham 2025 campaign but have helped to shape the bid itself by sharing their ideas and ambitions. This has been key to our success so far.
“Securing UK City of Culture 2025 for County Durham would bring transformational social and economic benefits to the entire region. As we enter this crucial phase in the competition, we will continue to work with our communities, partners, MPs and other stakeholders to seize this once in a generation opportunity for our county.”
