By Claire Whittaker chief executive Southampton 2025

SINCE October last year the team have been busy engaging with our local community to understand the needs of the city.

Our bid needs to come from the community of Southampton and be for the community of Southampton.

Working with our partners from both University of Southampton and Solent University, the consultation findings will be shaped into themes that will then become part of our exciting programme.

Winning UK City of Culture 2025 will not only bring significant economic benefits to Southampton, it is also a huge part of the city’s recovery post pandemic.

It will also put Southampton and the wider region on the map nationally and internationally.

With the prize also leading to the establishment of new businesses and will create new jobs that will support the city to attract and retain talent.

We have lots of exciting plans afoot with the bid, as we shine a spotlight on the people pf Southampton, celebrate the city’s young people and their talents and much more.

Make sure that you remain up to date with the bid by following us on social media @southampton2025 or signing up to our newsletter via our website www.southampton2025.co.uk