Sheffield's Channel 4 bid: Who are we competing against?

The world leading Doc/Fest attracts over 32,700 fans each year, including over 3,500 industry delegates from over 60 countries.

But it faces very strong competition from at least a dozen other cities and Sheffield’s own bid committee admits we are an “underdog”.

The whole bidding process has turned into a dating game. Sheffield says it “shares DNA” with Channel 4, Liverpool claims they are “soulmates” while Glasgow says they are “made for each other”.

Birmingham is seen as the frontrunner as its Mayor Andy Street has been lobbying extensively. Its rail links to London will be strengthened with HS2 and a Conservative government will look favourably on a Tory Mayor.

Liverpool, a European City of Culture, has Brookside creator Phil Redmond backing its bid. It also has Hollyoaks plus Screen School and Film Office.

Manchester is the home of Granada TV and has extended its television links with Media City at Salford. Over 3,000 people are employed there with CBBC, Radio 5 Live and BBC Breakfast among the departments based there.