Southampton's bid for UK City of Culture 2025 is submitted
Southampton's historic Bargate is lit up to encourage people to "back the bid"
Last updated 2nd Feb 2022
Southampton is submitting its final bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 on Wednesday.
The city is up against seven other areas in the competition which is expected to attract millions of pounds of investment for the winner.
Three days of land, air and sea celebrations are planned for May 2025 if the city wins.
A flotilla of large and small vessels will be invited from around the world to join a floating stage.
The night sky will be transformed into a giant canvas, with projections, drones and lasers across rooftops and landmarks including tower blocks and historic monuments.
Southampton's bid director Claire Whitaker said: "After three years of preparation, the people of Southampton are ready to welcome the world.
"We have the talent. We have the places. We have backing. We have the vision. We want to build on the success of previous winners and now is the time for a city from the south.
Bid ambassador Craig David said: "I’m so proud of the city I grew up in and love.
"For me and for so many, Southampton has always been a city of culture, innovation and sport and to get a platform to show the rest of the word what we already know would be so exciting."
The winner will be announced in the spring and will follow Coventry’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2021.