Bill Bryson gives backing to Durham's bid to be Capital of Culture

Jan 10 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

BEST-SELLING author Bill Bryson has given a boost to Durham’s bid to be the first British Capital of Culture.

On Wednesday Durham County Council became the first to register an interest in the title, after Culture Secretary Andy Burnham challenged UK cities to consider putting themselves forward for the new prize.

Mr Burnham unveiled the British Capital of Culture initiative in a speech on Wednesday in Liverpool, which was European Capital of Culture 2008.

The idea came at the end of Liverpool’s reign as European Capital of Culture which has been judged a great success, with 3.5 million people visiting the city for the first time and £176m generated from tourism.

Dr Bryson, chancellor of the city’s university, said: “I am incredibly fond of Durham and to me the place is a wonderful little secret.

“I think Durham would make a fantastic British Capital of Culture and I hope it achieves that.” Winning the Government’s new honour, which will be awarded in 2011 and then every four years, could see Durham host high-profile cultural events usually reserved for London such as the Turner Prize, BBC Sports Personality of the Year, the Brit music awards and the Baftas.

It would also be certain to attract huge numbers of extra tourists to the cathedral city, providing a massive shot in the arm for the region’s tourist economy.

US-born Dr Bryson sang the praises of Durham in his 1995 book Notes from a Small Island, describing it as a perfect little city. He said: “As chancellor of the university, I am well aware of the cultural contribution the university makes to the city and the wider North East region.

“There is so much the university and our wonderful staff and students offer in terms of educational outreach, sports, arts, museums and places like the botanic garden and the castle.” Durham’s campaign has also won the backing of the city’s MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods, who said: “I cannot think of a more appropriate place than Durham to be Britain’s Capital of Culture.

“Durham is a city of regional, national and international significance when it comes to culture, science and education and it is fitting that we should bid to have those areas highlighted and recognised at the national level.

“Durham as the Capital of Culture would encourage many people to visit our wonderful city, experience its astounding heritage and visit our many cultural and historical sites, exhibitions and castles.”

On Wednesday Dr Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “It’s early days but we are expressing an interest because we want to promote Durham as a centre of arts and culture.”