TODAY IS the day that Southampton finds out if it is on the shortlist to become the country's City of Culture 2017.

City bosses have joined forces with those in Portsmouth to put forward a joint bid for the status which, if won, would bring millions of pounds into the local economy and a host of artistic, cultural and heritage events throughout 2017.

The panel in charge of making the big decision will announce which of the 11 bidding cities, towns and regions will make the final shortlist of four.

The winner will be announced in November.

If chosen Southampton and Portsmouth set to reap in the rewards, just as Derry has this year.

The Northern Irish city's bid stimulated £80m worth of investment and half of businesses surveyed by the Chamber of Trade say they have since seen a positive impact.

And just as the cash has rolled in, so have the visitors anxious to soak up a cultural revolution.

The stated ambition is to turn the city into “Europe's hottest new tourist destination” - and Derry hopes to welcome one million visitors this year.

It has also created new jobs - some 3,000 with 700 of them going to people in the most deprived areas.