Derry (above) and Londonderry will compete with three other finalists to become the UK City of Culture. Photo: Wikimedia Commons user SeanMack
Birmingham, Norwich, Sheffield and the joint bid between Derry and Londonderry have been announced as the four finalists to become the UK's first City of Culture in 2013.
The quartet will compete to become the inaugural creative centre after Secretary of State Ben Bradshaw accepted a judging panel verdict on 14 shortlisted areas.
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said the "strong" and "varied" field had made picking the best quartet difficult.
"It's a testament to their hard work and dedication to culture that they've come so far in what has proven to be a very tough competition," she reflected.
"It just goes to show the richness of culture across the UK."
Officials in Norwich claimed a successful bid could create up to £200 million in revenue for the Norfolk city.
Norwich's historic Dragon Hall. Photo: Wikimedia user MN
"We're not resting on our laurels – we want to win this," said Graham Creelman of the City of Norwich Partnership.
"We really believe the engagement of the people of Norwich in cultural activity of all sorts is key to our wellbeing and success as a city, and as a force in the region.
"We're up against tough opposition, but we know that our offer is strong and, importantly, has support from communities and organisations right across the city and beyond."
Norwich City Council leader Steve Morphew said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the announcement.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to use culture to make a real difference to people here," he said.
"Even being shortlisted means Norwich is recognised nationally and internationally as an important city of culture and will enjoy all the things that will bring."
Sheffield's campaign has been given an edgier appearance via a colourful, blog-style website.
Sheffield is the early second-favourite for the title
Famous local son Sean Bean was swiftly enlisted to provide a few thespian words of glee, claiming his South Yorkshire home had the "ability to go all the way".
"Sheffield boasts an impressive array of cultural facilities, events and celebrations," he said.
"We have the passion and the capacity to make this happen."
Sheffield City Councillor Paul Scriven toasted "a proud day for Sheffield and Sheffielders."
"I hope our city will be honoured," he said.
"To be shortlisted to the final four just underlines the strength of our bid and Sheffield's future commitment to the arts and culture."
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: bmag.org.uk
Birmingham has based its bid around a showcase of the Staffordshire Hoard alongside an eight-week festival.
"Birmingham has the cultural mix and flavour to make it a natural city of culture," suggested Ammo Talwar, the Director of the city's Punch Records performing arts collective.
"Cities and their cultural offers are made up of people and their desires - what Birmingham has is all those right ingredients."
Television producer and scriptwriter Phil Redmond, who headed the judging panel, said the quality of entries had justified the City of Culture concept.
"The Panel had a stimulating but difficult task in suggesting the shortlist, as all 14 bidders had realised the impact of becoming the UK's first City of Culture and what that would bring," he observed.
"This in itself was a great endorsement for the project as a whole."
Bookmaker William Hills installed Norwich as the 6/4 favourite, with Sheffield available at 9/4, Birmingham 3/1 and Derry a 4/1 long shot. The winner is expected to be announced in the summer.
Check out Sheffield's City of Culture website.
