Minister McCausland congratulates Londonderry's success

Culture Minister, Nelson McCausland today congratulated Londonderry on its success on becoming 2013 UK City of Culture.

It was announced today that Londonderry, one of four shortlisted cities for the competition along with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield, has been selected the 2013 UK City of Culture.

Minister McCausland said: "The success of Londonderry in the UK City of Culture competition for 2013 is a tremendous achievement and one which will benefit the whole of Northern Ireland. Congratulations to the entire bid team and to all involved in the preparation and submission of the successful bid. Clearly all the hard work and determined effort has paid off."

The four shortlisted cities were required to submit full and final bids by 28 May before the final decision on the winning city was announced today.

The Minister added: "The result of the competition demonstrates the vast cultural offering in Londonderry and my Department has played a significant part in the development of the arts infrastructure in the North West over the past number of years. The North West Challenge Fund provided funding for a number of projects including the refurbished Playhouse and Waterside Theatres and the new Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin Irish Language and Culture Centre. These venues now provide first class facilities which will complement the programme of events planned for 2013."

Concluding the Minister said: "I am confident that the bid promoters will continue to inspire the people of Londonderry and Northern Ireland and that 2013 will be a fantastic showcase for the City, putting Londonderry on the international cultural map."

Notes to editors:

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