Durham stakes claim to UK City of Culture 2025
Durham has submitted its bid to become UK City of Culture in 2025. The bid’s title “The past we inherit, the future we build” is inspired by the proud motto of the Durham Miners Association, which host the famous annual Durham Miners’ Gala.
Three themes – Congregate, Illuminate and Energise – are at the heart of the programme of culture, sport, science and economics proposed to take place across the county in 2025.
The programme features a year-long festival of space science celebrating 1,300 years of innovation, from Bede’s astronomical observations to Durham University’s recent work on the James Webb telescope, as well as a travelling fair that asks big questions about the economy. In 2025, Durham will also celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first public passenger railway to use steam locomotives.
By securing the title, Durham aims to level up opportunities and reconnect communities, providing a boost not only to the county but the entire North East.
The Durham 2025 bid is backed by a number of high-profile supporters, including musician Sting, author Bill Bryson, historian David Olusoga and former presidential adviser Fiona Hill.
Image credit: Inflatable artwork by Steve Messam at Durham Cathedral
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