Eleven locations bid to become UK City of Culture 2021

Eleven locations around the country have submitted bids to be named the UK City of Culture for 2021, with the promise of a year of cultural attractions and a potential multi-million pound boost to their local economies.

The winner, to be announced in December, will be the third holder of the title - following Londonderry in 2013 and Hull this year.

The list of contenders includes Coventry, Hereford, Paisley, Perth, Portsmouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Swansea, Warrington, Wells and St Davids - the UK's smallest city - which has registered an application including the surrounding rural area of the Hundred of Dewisland.

The Heritage Lottery Fund announced it was committing £3 million to each successful bidder from 2021 onwards to boost local heritage.

Hull's City of Culture year, which kicked off with a massive fireworks display on January 1, is forecast to deliver a £60 million boost to the local economy. And the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. said the city has also benefited from #1 billion in investment since winning the title in 2013.

Culture minister Matt Hancock said: "UK City of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to celebrate their creativity and use culture as a catalyst for economic growth.

"I am delighted to see so many bids from across the country, showing how many areas recognise the important role culture can play in the development and regeneration of communities.''

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: "This list shows there is clearly a great deal of enthusiasm among the UK's cities for celebrating their unique culture.''

The field of 11 contenders will be whittled down to a shortlist in the summer.