SOUTHAMPTON has failed in its bid to become the country’s next City of Culture.

The joint bid with Portsmouth has not been chosen as one of the four to be shortlisted for the status, which would have brought millions of pounds into the local economy and a host of artistic, cultural and heritage events throughout 2017.

The much-anticipated announcement was made this morning by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, following a meeting of the independent advisory panel.

There were 11 bidding cities, towns and regions but just four were picked to go on to the next round – Dundee, Hull, Leicester and Swansea Bay.

The others who failed to reach the mark were Chester, East Kent, Hastings and Bexhill on Sea, Plymouth, and Southend-on-Sea.

Mr Vaizey said: “I want to congratulate the four shortlisted cities who have made it this far, and indeed all 11 cities who put time and great effort into submitting bids.

“The events in Derry-Londonderry over recent weeks highlight just how much of an impact being City of Culture can have.

“It brings together communities, encourages economic growth, and inspires social change and the shortlisted cities should be very proud of the bids they have put together so far.”

Those who helped put the bid together have spoken of their "disappointment" at the news.

Councillor Matt Tucker, Southampton City Council cabinet member for economic development and leisure, said: "Obviously we are disappointed not to have been shortlisted, but what this bid has shown is that we're already on our way to becoming a region famed for its culture.

"We've been overwhelmed by support and will continue to work on the exciting opportunities which have come about since we launched our intention to become a city of culture."

Bestival organiser and DJ Rob da Bank, who was a creative consultant for the bid, added: "I'm so disappointed that we didn't make it through to the next round and gutted for everyone who worked so hard on a superb and influential bid.

"I obviously still feel Portsmouth and Southampton have an incredible journey ahead of them in terms of our growing culture across so many disciplines and I intend to stay firmly involved in their continued development."

The panel which looked at the bids was chaired by former TV executive Phil Redmond.

Mr Redmond said: ''It was incredibly difficult to decide on a shortlist as all the bids recognised the power of culture to bring about social change and offered innovative and interesting programmes.
 

''In the end the panel thought the four short listed cities offered plans that were ambitious, realistic and would not only deliver for their communities, but would also maintain the momentum created around the success of Derry-Londonderry.
 

''I want to thank all 11 cities for the time and commitment they have put in to their bids and look forward to hearing more from Dundee, Hull, Leicester and Swansea Bay later on in the year.''

The winning City Of Culture will be announced in November, with the finalists asked to submit an updated submission by the end of September.