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Hull 'coming out of the shadows'

TV producer Phil Redmond, who chaired the advisory panel that helped choose the City of Culture 2017 winner, said all four shortlisted cities showed a "real understanding" of what the award was about.

But ultimately it was the unanimous verdict of the panel that Hull put forward the most compelling case based on its theme as 'a city coming out of the shadows'. This is at the heart of their project and reminds both its people and the wider world of both its cultural past and future potential. We were particularly impressed with Hull's evidence of community and creative engagement, their links to the private sector and their focus on legacy, including a commitment to enhance funding beyond 2017 and I'd like to congratulate all involved.

– Phil Redmond, chair of the advisory panel
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Hull is UK's City of Culture 2017

Losing cities congratulate Hull on its culture win

Read: Hull chosen as UK City of Culture 2017

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Hull is UK's City of Culture 2017

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Hull chosen as UK City of Culture 2017

Hull's bidding team has promised to deliver a "spectacular year of events". Credit: Twitter/ 2017Hull

Hull has been chosen as UK City of Culture 2017, the Culture Secretary Maria Miller has announced.

It had been competing against Leicester and Swansea Bay and Dundee for the title.

Ms Miller praised the three losing cities for the "time, effort and determination" they put into their bids.

She said: "I hope they will still take forward many of the fantastic ideas and events they had planned so that their communities can enjoy these innovative cultural plans."

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Hull is UK's City of Culture 2017

UK City of Culture 2017 to be announced

Londonderry is the current UK City of Culture. Credit: PA

The location of the UK's next City of Culture will be announced this morning with Dundee, Hull, Leicester and Swansea Bay all in the running.

The winner can expect an economic boost from the accolade which is handed out every four years.

The current holder - Londonderry - has reported a 30% increase in hotel occupancy and has hosted events including the Radio 1 Big Weekend, The Turner Prize and the all-Ireland Fleadh which saw 400,000 people descend on the city over a week.

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Hull is UK's City of Culture 2017

Sir Tom Courtenay backs Hull's City of Culture bid

Actor Sir Tom Courtenay has backed Hull's bid to become the UK's City of Culture 2017 by starring in a short film to be shown to the competition's judges.

Featuring the poetry of Philip Larkin, Sir Tom and the people of Hull explain why "this city belongs to everyone".

He narrates, "A place cannot produce poems, it can only not prevent them and Hull is good at that, for Hull has its own sudden elegancies".

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Hull is UK's City of Culture 2017
  1. Wales

Russell T Davies: 'We need to feel proud of our region'

Russell T Davies says Swansea has a 'wealth of creative talent' and culture. Credit: DCMS

Russell T Davies, the television producer and screenwriter who famously revived 'Dr Who' is hoping Swansea Bay will win the City of Culture 2017 title and thinks it will be a great opportunity for those living in the area:

"There are so many people in this region who have songs in their hearts, or plays or stories. Give them a platform and all the ideas will come tumbling out.

"We need to walk taller and feel proud of our city and our region. If I had a billion pounds to spend on Swansea I’d revitalise the seafront and get the Mumbles train working again."

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Hull is UK's City of Culture 2017
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