Disappointed - but the show will go on

Disappointed … but determined the show will go on. That was Durham’s upbeat message today (Wednesday 24 February) following news that its City of Culture bid for 2013 has not made the shortlist.

Birmingham,Derry,Norwich and Sheffield have all been preferred to fight for the first UK City of Culture title but Durham County Council Leader, Simon Henig, reaffirmed that Durham will stage its own year of culture in 2013 – regardless.

The highlights will include a return of the hugely successful Lumiere festival of light, an England v Australia Ashes Test Match, and the emotive return home for three months of one of the world’s greatest treasures - the Lindisfarne Gospels.

“Of course we’re disappointed, deeply disappointed, not to make the shortlist because it was a first class bid supported by the whole region – but we’re not downhearted,” said Councillor Henig.

“Shortlisting was just a part of a very long journey we have to make to achieve our vision of raising Durham’s profile on the national and international stage and developing our economy and personal aspirations through culture-led regeneration."

Durham University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, added:

“Though naturally disappointed that the city has not been shortlisted, Durham will unquestionably continue to flourish as a place of culture – and a University and Cathedral City we all love and are proud to call our home.

“We look forward to continuing to work together with our partners to help promote the many cultural splendours of our wonderful city.”