Southampton is in the final four in the bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. Also in the running is Bradford, Durham and Wrexham.
The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years, with the winning location hosting a year-long programme of cultural events and celebrations. The UK City of Culture also receives significant funding and can potentially attract millions of pounds into its economy and thousands of tourists.
Winning the title would be a major boost to Southampton’s economy, communities and everyone who lives and works here – leaving a legacy that will impact and improve lives forever. Thousands of people across Southampton and neighbouring areas have been supporting the bid.
Watch Southampton’s official Bid film:
Including ourselves! In December 2020, Our Version Media became one of Southampton 2025’s official media partners. As a social enterprise led by a Southampton-born team who love our city, and are dedicated to amplifying the voices of under-represented and diverse communities locally, this is a role were honoured to accept and dedicate our time to.
Keep up to date with all things Southampton 2025 on Southampton 2025’s website and also follow @southampton2025 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Show your support on social media using the hashtag #MakeItSO!
Hear Claire Whitaker OBE, Bid Director, share how the bidding process has galvanised our city and and how winning the UK City of Culture 2025 title could hugely benefit Southampton and the south:
As media partner, we’re supporting Southampton 2025’s team with getting their messages into the city’s African, Caribbean and black British communities and doing all we can to ensure our black communities – and black-owned businesses – are included, engaged and represented throughout the bidding process.
Importantly, through our mobile storytelling training, we’re equipping Southampton’s residents with digital media skills to tell and share their stories, shining a spotlight on their lives, communities and neighbourhoods. We’re empowering local people themselves to showcase the culture and diversity of our beautiful city.