Soton’s Cultural Merits Shunned

Southampton has missed out on becoming the 2017 U.K. City of Culture, with Hull, Dundee, Leicester and Swansea announced as finalists for the accolade.

Southampton’s Civic Centre, a Grade II* listed building.

The bid, run jointly with neighbouring city Portsmouth, was made in an effort to secure around £80m worth of investment for the local economy. Other perks would have included numerous opportunities to hold cultural and heritage events throughout 2017.

Peter Colling, managing director of Tourism South East, told the Daily Echo that he believed Southampton’s affluent image had counted against them, and that the judging panel were looking to invest in regions typically seen as deprived.

Part of the bid process was to demonstrate ‘a need’ to be the City of Culture and severe economic deprivation is a need that possibly was a strong factor.

The other unsuccessful bidders were Chester, East Kent, Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Plymouth and Southend-on-Sea. For the four finalists however, the final decision will be made in November, with Swansea the current favourites according to bookmaker William Hill.

The 2013 winners, Londonderry, are currently enjoying concerts and events such as a Status Quo performance, the Sky Orchestra and Music City, many of which are as a result of their City of Culture status.

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