Two Yorkshire cities in the running for Great Exhibition of the North

THE shortlist for the host city of the Great Exhibition of the North has been announced, with two Yorkshire cities making the cut.

Bradford and Sheffield are among the four shortlisted to host the Great Exhibition of the North in 2018.

Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, announced today that along with the two Yorkshire cities, Blackpool and Newcastle-Gateshead would be in the running.

The Exhibition will showcase the creative, cultural and design sectors across the whole of the North, with the government contributing £5m towards the cost, and a further £15m to a legacy fund.

Nine strong bids were submitted from Halifax, Harrogate, Scunthorpe, St Helens and Whitehaven, as well as the shortlisted venues.

Although Halifax was “disappointed” not to make the shortlist, Sam Mason, who led the bid for the town, said that they would throw their support behind neighbouring city Bradford in its bid.

Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is a unique opportunity to celebrate the creativity of Northern England and I am thrilled we received so many innovative bids.

“British arts and culture are among the finest in the world. I am determined we democratise the arts and celebrate the best in every part of our nation.
What’s more, cultural investment can bring enormous benefits for communities – it drives regeneration, promotes tourism and increases life chances.

Sir Gary Verity, chairman of the Great Exhibition of the North Board, said: “The quality of all nine submissions was incredibly strong and I’d like to congratulate the four towns and cities who have made it through to the final shortlist.

“I and the Great Exhibition Board are very much looking forward to meeting the teams behind the four shortlisted bids to hear their exciting proposals in person. This is an incredible opportunity to really showcase the creativity and culture we have here in the North and I know whoever wins will thoroughly embrace that vision.”