Norwich City Council leader Brenda Arthur. Photo: Steve Adams

Bids for the title of UK City of Culture 2017 have opened, but Norwich will not be entering the same race that the city council were so disappointed to lose in 2010.

The Northern Irish city of Derry pipped Norwich to the UK City of Culture 2013 title, after seeing off competition from 29 other places to make the final four, alongside Birmingham and Sheffield.

Despite being supported by a number of celebrities, including Stephen Fry and Delia Smith, it was Derry that was picked in August 2010.

Norwich City Council leader Brenda Arthur, city council portfolio holder for culture, has confirmed Norwich won’t be bidding for the 2017 title.

Mrs Arthur said: “In the last few months we have become the first English UNESCO world city of literature, a fantastic accolade for our city and one that puts us on the world stage in terms of culture. This is also a title we hold forever not just for one year.

“I think Norwich already proved its point when we became one of the fantastic four finalists for 2013. Many of the individuals and organisations that came together as part of our bid, continue to deliver high quality productions and events.

“So let other cities have their turn in the limelight and bid for 2017, I think we can safely say that Norwich is already recognised as a city of culture nationally, internationally and most importantly by the people who live and visit here.”

- What do you think? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE

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