Derby submits final bid for UK City of Culture 2025 title

The team behind Derby’s quest to become UK City of Culture 2025 have paid tribute to its supporters following the formal submission of the city’s final bid.

Last week, Adam Buss, interim director of the bid, was joined by Councillor Ross McCristal, cabinet member for leisure, culture, tourism and wellbeing at Derby City Council, along with some of the bid’s supporters, gathered at The Spot to mark Derby’s submission.

Initially, a record 20 places put themselves forward for the title – with Derby making the longlist of eight. The city now hopes its final bid will secure it a place on the shortlist of four.

The bid team have been working hard to raise awareness of the bid and garner support from across the city.

Adam said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has pledged funds, used the hashtag or otherwise voiced their support for the final bid. None of what we have achieved so far would be possible without your involvement.”

Councillor McCristal said: It’s been great to see the city of Derby work together in the lead up to the final bid submission and it’s clear to see just how much the vibrant culture means to the local community.”

Derby’s City of Culture bid has been backed by a number of partners, who have played a vital part in the bid submission.

According to the bid team, Artcore, Baby People, Déda, Derby LIVE, Derby Jazz, Derby Museums, Derby Theatre, QUAD, Sinfonia Viva and EMCCAN have all made “invaluable contributions” to the bid both financially and culturally.

Ambassadors from the arts, industry, sport and education, based in the city and wider region, have also pledged their support for the bid.

These include award-winning actress Molly Windsor, musician, writer, actor and director Dr John Tams, Baby J from Baby People; Derby County player Max Bird, Nisha Nath, chair of Surtal Arts, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Elizabeth Fothergill, Dean Jackson, founder and chief executive of HUUB and Tracey Harrison from the Safe and Sound charity.

The most recent bid supporter is Derby-born, critically acclaimed actor Jack O’Connell.

To raise awareness of the bid a Culture Derby 2025 sign has been touring Derby showcasing the teams supporting the bid, as well as the key locations contributing to the city’s culture, such as Derby Arena, Derbion and the National Trust’s Kedleston Hall.

There have been lots of contributions to the bid including £33,000 of pledges from a recent business event at The Museum of Making.

Marketing Derby also pledged £20,000 of support and £60,000 was pledged after local firms Cosy Direct, Smith Partnership and Lubrizol teamed up to support the bid.

Adam said: “Working together with our cultural partners during the City of Culture campaign has been an incredible experience.

“As we now await the shortlist decision, we will continue to work together as a city to develop the cultural input into our social and economic recovery.”

Councillor McCristal added: “We should be proud of our contributions to the city so far and acknowledge the potential unlocked, should we be successfully chosen as the UK City of Culture.”

The Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will now choose four finalists who will make up the shortlist. Each of the four finalists will then be visited by judges.

The winner of the UK City of Culture 2025 title is expected to be announced in late spring.