'City of Culture' bid is Plymouth's moment

BIDDING to be UK City of Culture 2029 is a big deal.

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As big as it gets. Announcing it in Cabinet on Monday felt like a moment I will remember for a very long time.

This is a whole city endeavour because, as we saw with Bradford last year, it means being the UK's most important city for 12 months with the nation’s eyes upon us. It really is one of the most significant accolades a city can receive.

The guidance talks about a year’s celebration of cultural activity in a unique place with a strong vision for transformation. It is culture and creative industries in its widest sense and whilst it obviously includes the full range of traditional Arts and Heritage it also encompasses sport, architecture, design, libraries, media, gaming and even our natural environment.

So what is the story we can tell?

We are blessed with one of the best natural harbours in the world connecting the UK for 5,000 years to Europe, Africa, Asia and America - our culture has always been at the very heart of this city’s endeavours, underpinning the many national moments we have shared.