It’s been nine months since Southampton lost out to Bradford when the latter was crowned 2025 City of Culture.
Though it may not have ended how many would have hoped, the legacy of Southampton’s bid will be felt for years to come, putting the city on the map.
Claire Whitaker CBE, who headed Southampton’s city of culture bid reflected on the positive change seen to the local area as she told The Daily Echo: “The immediate legacy is the fact that we’ve managed to establish a culture and got everybody to come together.
“We’ve chosen not to go all out for one big year like we would have done if we’d won the UK City of Culture because we want to try and build audiences and build Southampton as a destination, rather than having a massive hangover as we think we will have more of a long-term impact.”
Speaking on what she sees for the future of Southampton, Claire added: “There is a long-term vision that we all agree on and are working towards.
“We want to really affect change.
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“For instance when you look at the amount of people that pass through the city for cruises is absolutely phenomenal.
“If we could just get them to stay and spend more money in the city, it would absolutely transform our economy for local businesses and local people.”
The city of Southampton was awarded £125,000 by the government for reaching the final four in the 2025 City of Culture bidding process.
The money will be spent effectively to enhance the city’s tourism and cultural program, as well as various projects within the city.
One such event that’s taking place due to the additional allowance is Southampton Forward.
Taking place at MAST Mayflower Studios today, the free conference will build on the city of culture bid and see guest panellists lead conversations on how Southampton can progress over the coming years.
On the event, Claire said: “The conference is a free event for anyone to join as we really wanted to give back to the city.
“This is a moment for us, it’s our moment.
“It’s not the moment we thought we might have, but it’s a different moment.”
Running from 10.45am until 8pm, the first session called ‘driving change’ will be chaired by Lady Sue Hollick, the founding commissioning editor of multicultural programmes for Channel 4 and trustee at Southampton Culture Trust.
The panel will explore how cities and regions can by transformed by investing in culture, celebrating diverse communities and creating inviting places to live and visit.
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