Swansea shortlisted to become UK City of Culture in 2021

Swansea is among five towns and cities shortlisted to become the UK's City of Culture in 2021, the UK Government announced today.

Eleven towns and cities registered bids for the prestigious award, including St Davids in Pembrokeshire. But only Swansea, Coventry, Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent and Sunderland have made the final five.

The winner will be announced in December 2017, following in the footsteps of Derry-Londonderry and Hull.

"Boasting the UK’s first area of outstanding natural beauty, and the region that brought the first passenger railway to the world, Swansea’s amazing achievements, past and present make it a true contender to be crowned UK City of Culture 2021", said Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns.

Swansea is one of five UK cities to be shortlisted for the award Credit: ITV Wales

Hull is the current City of Culture and its programme includes 365 days of cultural events. It's estimated that the award has brought a boost of £60 million to the local economy.

“We have received strong bids from across the UK and now have a fantastic shortlist of five that reflect the diversity and cultural ambition of our towns and cities", said John Glen, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism.