Belfast bids to be European City of Culture 2008

The Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Michael McGimpsey has marked his return to office by launching Northern Ireland’s bid to be European Capital of Culture in 2008.

An official bid for the much coveted award was launched on Thursday October 25 at the Old Northern Bank Buildings in Belfast by the Arts Minister and Imagine Belfast 2008 – the company that has been set up to prepare the city’s bid for the title.

Speaking on Thursday morning Mr McGimpsey said: “Culture knows no city boundaries and, as the Province is a relatively small place, there are potential benefits for everyone. That is why the Northern Ireland Executive has thrown its weight behind this initiative and, if our bid is successful, we can really put ourselves on the international cultural stage.

“We are already rich in festivals, music, sport, art, scientific invention and architectural heritage and yet there is still a largely untapped creative energy out there. If we can maintain the spirit of optimism the events this week have brought, we can harness that latent talent and show the world just what the people of Northern Ireland have to offer.

Several cities are competing for the conferment of the European Capital status, including Newcastle, Norwich, Cardiff, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool. Bids for the title, which is appointed annually by the European Commission, have to be lodged by March 2002. (AMcE)