NI Could Benefit From UK City Of Culture Bid

Northern Ireland could benefit again from a UK City of Culture bid, DUP MP Gregory Campbell has said.

The East Londonderry MP has highlighted the changes in the way the UK City of Culture competition is delivered and potential benefits to people across the UK.

Mr Campbell has tabled a motion in the House of Commons as Coventry's programme of events have begun after a delay due to Covid.

Commenting he said: "The UK City of Culture competition is an important way to boost the profile and bring benefits to those who have been successful in winning the title. As the first ever UK City of Culture, Londonderry was hugely successful in showcasing the city and maximising the economic benefits THE title brings.

"There have been changes to the application process, meaning groups of towns can submit bids and this further opens the opportunity for more communities to enjoy the benefits of this title including clusters of towns or Cities in Northern Ireland. Coventry's programme of events has been delayed due to Covid, but even with ongoing restrictions there is expected to be a significant boost in visitor numbers and more than £110 million in additional investment.

"As Coventry joins Londonderry initially, then Hull on the list of winners hopefully in the not too distant future we will see this title return again to Northern Ireland."