People across County Durham have expressed their disappointment at not being crowned the UK's City of Culture for 2025.
County Durham went up against Wrexham, Bradford, and Southampton for the title. Hundreds of people gathered at Beamish Museum on Tuesday evening to learn if the area would be given the accolade. They stood around a large TV screen as the decision was broadcast live on BBC's The One Show. Bradford was named the winner just before 7.30pm.
Durham County Council first submitted the bid last year on behalf of Culture Durham which includes Durham Cathedral, Beamish Museum, Durham University, and Locomotion. It was hoped being named UK City of Culture 2025 would have a significant and sustained impact on the local economy.
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John Hewitt, Chief Executive of Durham County Council said the result was “disappointing” but said that they will continue to work on what can be done culturally across County Durham.
He said: “It is disappointing but there are so many great things in our bid that we’re going to work up and see what we can do in local communities.
“There is so much good work with partners, we’ve made so many relationships and there’s real opportunity in that bid but yes we’re really disappointed.
“A big well done to Bradford but there’s lots to do and we’re going to get on to that straight away. We’d love to see what we can do culturally across County Durham so we’re not going away, we’ve got lots to do.”
John McCabe, chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce said: "This is hugely disappointing but we will still celebrate all of the great culture in our region and showcase what we have here. Congratulations to Bradford and we wish them all the best for their plans."
Local MPs have also expressed their disappointment at County Durham missing out on the title.
Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy said: "It is disappointing that County Durham has not been named UK City of Culture on this occasion. However, this bid has highlighted the extraordinary cultural heritage of our County. While City of Culture status would have been a great honour and opportunity- the creativity and collaboration between our amazing cultural organisations and institutions that the bid has fostered has highlighted the rich culture the County already has to offer. I hope we can now build on the momentum and positivity created by this campaign to showcase the uniqueness and vibrancy of Durham."
Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison added: "Pretty gutted that County Durham hasn’t been awarded City of Culture 2025, but I'm so proud we made the final four. Our cultural journey has only just begun, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds. Congratulations to Bradford - I look forward to visiting in 2025."
Professor Janet Stewart, Executive Dean (Arts and Humanities) said there are positives to take from the campaign.
She said: It would have been fabulous had we been able to say we won but I think there are so many positives. We have seen the incredible atmosphere and how many people came together today so it’s just been amazing. People have seen the culture Durham has to offer and I think that’s the whole idea, to make people aware of all the amazing culture and activities Durham has like Beamish Museum."
Mathew Hill, a member of Durham Youth Council said just submitting the bid was an achievement in itself and showed young people what Durham has to offer. He added: "I’m very proud just by the fact we bid. Our county is a county of culture in its own right, there are so many fantastic things going on especially for young people.
"County Durham meets the needs of every young person. I think it can be somewhere that is largely forgotten about in the North East but now people have been able to see just how fantastic it is."
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