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D-Day: Will Sheffield be named UK City Of Culture tonight?
SHEFFIELD will tonight discover if it has been be crowned the UK's first City of Culture.
Watch out for the result after 7pm here - on The Star web site - and see The Star for fulll reaction tomorrow.
The city has been draped in banners promoting the bid for months.
Celebrities have pledged their support while dozens of promotional events and a huge marketing campaign have been staged.
City leaders were today waiting to find out if the months of preparation - and 150,000 in bid costs - have paid off.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey will announce the winner in Liverpool at 7pm, live on BBC1's The One Show.
Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven said: "We are now crossing our fingers in the hope the announcement goes in our favour. It is an exciting time.
"Clearly if we win, the city will see an unprecedented uplift in tourism, investment and jobs."
The title would see Sheffield host a year-long arts festival in 2013, with concerts from international stars, exhibitions from world-renowned artists, and an all-inclusive programme harnessing the city's creativity.
The city could also expect to benefit from an enormous economic boost, judging by Liverpool's experience as European Capital of Culture in 2008.
The Merseyside economy was boosted by an estimated 753 million during the year as an additional 9.7 million people flocked to the area.
Sheffield is up against other shortlisted cities Birmingham, Norwich and Derry.
Speculation in Westminster has suggested Derry, scarred by the Bloody Sunday shootings in 1972, may get the award.
Coun Scriven said even if the city does not get the crown the application has left a positive legacy for the area.
He said: "The bidding process has left us with a clear plan for arts and culture for the coming years, has generated significant national profile for the city and has been built on the largest consultation on arts and culture that the city has ever seen."
Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield said: "Our city has got initiative, passion and creativity in our DNA and becoming the first City of Culture would be a brilliant way of showcasing Sheffield talent and culture to the rest of the UK. We've all got our fingers crossed for the big announcement."
Hillsborough and Brightside MP David Blunkett added: "Given our history of folk and popular music, of craftsmanship and of performing arts and dance, I am really hopeful for Sheffield's chances.
"This would give us an opportunity to grow talent and lift spirits in our community, where spending cuts will hit so hard."
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
