News and Events
Derry/ Londonderry wins City of Culture
16th Jul 2010
Hundreds gathered in the Guildhall to hear the result relayed on big screens. A number of nationally significant events such as the Brit Awards and the Turner Prize could be hosted in Derry.
The idea for a UK City of Culture came from the success of Liverpool during its year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
The honour does not come with any direct government funding but the bid organisers are hoping to use it is a focus for fundraising and regeneration.
Plans are already in place to hold a pageant on the River Foyle celebrating the return St Columba, to Ireland, a contemporary music festival and a visual arts festival.
Other elements of the winning bid included giving children across the city access to music training and a new commission from the Field Day theatre company.
The judging panel was led by television producer Phil Redmond, he was joined by culture minister Ed Vaizey for the announcement. Both men are due to travel to Derry on Friday.
Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness travelled to Liverpool for the announcement and said he was "over the moon".
"We've won on our merits. This in an evening when hope and history rhymes in Derry," he said.
"This is a precious gift for the peacemakers.
"Now that the green light has been shown, the real work begins. The benefits will last for five to 10 years, the buildup is an important as what happens in 2013."
The actor James Nesbitt, who was on of the bid's celebrity backers, said the win confirmed Derry as "a cultural powerhouse."
"Whether it is writers like Seamus Heaney and Seamus Deane, songwriters and performers like Phil Coulter or the Undertones, artists like Willie Doherty, filmmakers like Margo Harkin and Tom Collins or actors like Amanda Burton, Roma Downey and Bronagh Gallagher, the city has asserted a huge influence on the arts internationally."
The city's mayor, Colum Eastwood of the SDLP, said the award would bring lasting benefits for Derry.
"This will bring the jobs, the investment, the regeneration that we need."
Phil Redmond said the title was a "badge to bring people together".
"When people read Derry's bid, it's about acknowledging the past, not shying away from it," he said.
"If that is not the role of culture, I don't know what is."
Source: BBC News
