Bondholders give their backing to Derby’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid

Ambassadors from the arts, industry, sport and education in Derby have backed the city’s ambition to become UK City of Culture 2025 as the deadline approaches for the final bid to be submitted.

Derby has made the longlist of eight from a record number of 20 entries and the city is now preparing to submit its final bid on 2 February.

In the meantime, a group of ‘Voices’ has been created to ensure the people of Derby are helping to shape the bid, making it relevant and meaningful to the people who live and work in the city.

Among them are Marketing Derby Bondholders, including Dean Jackson, founder and chief executive of HUUB, Derby County player Max Bird and Tracey Harrison from the Safe and Sound charity.

Adam Buss, director of Derby’s City of Culture bid, said: “Our Voices come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but are united in their support for our bid and its potential for our futures.”

Councillor Ross McCristal, cabinet member for leisure, culture, tourism and wellbeing at Derby City Council, said: “The UK City of Culture bid is a great opportunity which will benefit everyone living and working in Derby and it is fantastic to see the groundswell of support from people who represent every aspect of our city.”

Winning City of Culture could see plans to put culture at the heart of the city’s recovery accelerate if it wins the title.

Councillor Ross McCristal, cabinet member for leisure, culture, tourism and wellbeing at Derby City Council, said: “The UK City of Culture bid is a great opportunity which will benefit everyone living and working in Derby and it is fantastic to see the groundswell of support from people who represent every aspect of our city.”

Winning City of Culture could see plans to put culture at the heart of the city’s recovery accelerate if it wins the title.

Previous winners such as Hull have seen new investment as a result.

While putting together its final submission, the people behind Derby’s bid has been galvanising support.

The bid’s supporters come from a wide range of backgrounds and speak about Derby’s history of innovation in ideas and industry, its grassroots artists and makers, and the opportunities and aspirations of young people and those from the city’s diverse communities.

Also among the many offering their support are award-winning actress Molly Windsor, musician, writer, actor and director Dr John Tams, Baby J from Baby People, Nisha Nath, chair of Surtal Arts and Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Elizabeth Fothergill.

Another is Amo Raju, chief executive of Disability Direct and entrepreneur.

He said: “All three sectors – business, public and voluntary, as well as the residents of Derby, encompass a spirit of cohesion and general ‘can-do’ attitude.

“Recognition as a City of Culture will only further elevate the city’s ability to encourage more investment into celebrating the contributions of people of all abilities and backgrounds.”

On the longlist of eight with Derby is Wrexham, Cornwall, County Durham, Southampton, Stirling, Bradford and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.

Following the final bid submission, the Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will choose four finalists, which will all be visited by judges.

The final winner is expected to be announced in late spring.

Adam said: “Working with our partners in the city got us to the longlist of eight when we put together our expression of interest in just three months.

“When we submit our final bid, it will be clear to the judges that the hopes and aspirations of everyone in Derby are at its heart.”

To view the messages of support from the Voices please click here.