A record number have submitted an expression of interest in the prestigious competition, including the joint Borderlands bid from this region in conjunction with the Scottish Borders, Northumberland, Cumbria and Carlisle City.
They now have to wait to see if they make the initial longlist, due to be announced in the coming weeks. That will then be cut down further to a final shortlist in early 2022.
And the overall winner will be announced in May next year and will be at the centre of the UK’s cultural spotlight in 2025, taking up the baton from current holder Coventry.
Entrants have been tasked with proving that they can put culture at the heart of their plans to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
Any locations that are longlisted by the organisers will receive a grant of £40,000 to support their long applications.
The benefits to the winner of the title are huge, attracting millions of visitors and investment and bringing communities together to showcase the place where they live to the country and the world.
UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This record number of applications from all four corners of the country is testament to the huge success of City of Culture in generating investment, creating jobs and boosting local pride.
“This prestigious prize creates a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to build back better from the pandemic and I wish all bidders the very best of luck.”
