(Above) Performers from Birmingham took to the streets of Liverpool when the city's team presented their bid to become UK City of Culture
The joint bid between Derry and Londonderry has been announced as the winner of the year-long battle to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013.
The Northern Irish campaign grabbed the lucrative title in a live announcement on BBC One’s The One Show, chosen from a shortlist which also comprised Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield.
Having been whittled down from an initial longlist of 13 named in July 2009, Derry will be hoping to enjoy the same stratospheric success as Liverpool sampled during its spell as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
"I'm delighted we've won and I'd like to say an enormous thanks to the people of Derry, who've been absolutely amazing," said an emotional Colum Eastwood, the Mayor of Derry, congratulating the entire shortlist on their achievements.
"I wish I could be back there to party with them tonight. This means so much in terms of the economy, regeneration and all the plans we have."
Crowds gathered in front of a huge stage on Centenary Square in Birmingham, which was installed as the odds-on favourite with bookmakers Paddy Power at 5/6. Derry was a 5/2 shot, with Norwich available at 10/3 and Sheffield considered dark horses at 6/1, despite winning backing from Heaven 17’s Martyn Ware.
Culture24 reporter Ivan Stoyanov, who had been following the action in Norwich, said the city had "a unique cultural underground". Sources in the Norfolk capital said there had been hints throughout the day about the outcome, but they were none the wiser about the verdict.
Sheffield had been hoping to steam to victory
Well-known local thespians Jasper Carrott and Liam Neeson used the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's website to fire broadsides for their respective Birmingham and Derry teams.
"I am backing the bid as a Brummie born and bred who still lives here and is proud of his city,” announced comedian Carrott, praising the “massive” reggae scene and heavy metal legacy the city is known for.
"I have to acknowledge there is still room for improvement, and this title can help. There’s been a massive change in attitude from the old jokes about Liverpool and its people. It's that level of change we need.
"There's still the outdated image of Birmingham as industrial and grimy with a strange accent. But where else in the country has such a diverse population living together and sharing each other's cultures?"
The win completes Derry and Londonderry's remarkable transformation
Actor Neeson recalled playwright Brian Friel's decision to debut iconic play Translations at Derry’s Guildhall in 1980.
"Derry was a shadow of what it is now – it was a city physically, emotionally and culturally divided," he reflected.
"The play brought together a group of people whose energy, creativity and focus on the possible was mirrored by the resilience of a community that longed for change. Thankfully that change is now coming about and the city has united to shape a more positive future."
Follow Culture24 for all the latest in the aftermath of Derry's win.
Watch videos of the bidding cities below:
Derry-Londonderry – highlights from the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2010, which was part of their winning campaign:
Birmingham’s bid gets a big send-off:
What the win would mean to Sheffield:
Martin Watters’ video for Norwich’s bid:
