Belfast and Derry Londonderry submit European Capital of Culture bid

By Adam Evans

Belfast and Derry Londonderry have now submitted their bid to become European Capital of Culture, 2023

Tens of thousands of people have been involved in the process.

The team has engaged with 301 artists, had 16,000 face-to-face conversations, held 120 stakeholder engagement meetings, received 4,853 survey responses, distributed 72,500 pieces of information material and had 17 encounters with other European Capitals of Culture.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister said: "We’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to contribute to and support our bid – across our cultural, community and business sectors, as well as a string of our best known stars. 
 
"We’ve been really bowled over by the levels of support, enthusiasm and passion for the bid both in person and online.  There’s a huge appetite for cultural celebration here, and for welcoming the rest of Europe and the world here to explore what makes us tick – in the fields of the arts, music, sport, food, fashion and more."

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Maolíosa McHugh said: "We’re very proud indeed of our bid content, especially because it conveys our personality, the richness of our identities and the creativity of our people so well. 

"Now that it’s submitted, we need even more people to get behind the bid and show their support online before the judges grill the team on the content and our plans for making the title year a resounding success."