All 11 towns and cities have now put their name forward to become UK City of Culture in 2021.
Along with Sunderland, there will also be Coventry, Hereford, Paisley, Perth, Portsmouth, St. Davids, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Warrington and Wells bidding to succeed 2017 winners Hull.
Rebecca Ball, Director of the Sunderland 2021 bid, said: “Today is an important day in the process, and although it’s good to know who we’re up against we also know that our focus must be on our own bid and convincing judges Sunderland would be a worthy winner of the title.”
“We’ve already started writing the bid, which will be ambitious and inspirational – but achievable and deliverable. We’re being honest in talking about the challenges the city faces, and how a successful bid could help solve some of those challenges.”
The chosen town or city will receive many economic benefits including £3million pledged by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
It is estimated 2017 winner Hull will gain £60million to their economy this year and has already seen £1billion investment into the city since winning the title in 2013.
Sunderland BID Media and Communications co-ordinator Kristian Foreman commented on todays news saying: “Sunderland has been working on its bid for more than a year now and the support displayed by people and businesses in the city has been incredible.
“Now as the race to be named the UK City of Culture 2021 really gets underway, I’d like to encourage everyone to continue showing that support as it is invaluable.
“Being named UK City of Culture 2021 would boost tourism, drive forward investment and bring a fabulous vibe to the area. Good luck to all the other towns and cities that are competing.”
To win the title, the towns and cities must show their bid is focussed on heritage and that it use the Heritage lottery fund to build on existing investment.
The Sunderland bid is being written by Sunderland Arts, Music and Culture (MAC) trust, the University of Sunderland and Sunderland City Council and must be submitted by the end of April, with a shortlist announced in July and the winning town or city named in December.
For more information on Sunderland’s bid visit http://www.sunderland2021.com/