THE RACE to be crowned UK City of Culture is heating up after the judges visited Southampton on Friday.
Led by Chair Sir Phil Redmond CBE, the ten-person panel met community groups, creatives, artists, and businesses who are supporting the bid.
Southampton was named as a finalist earlier this year and is competing against Bradford, County Durham and Wrexham County Borough for the coveted title.
Read more - Main article continues below:
- 'Gateway to England' - Here's why YOU think Southampton should be UK City of Culture 2025
- All the famous faces backing Southampton's City of Culture bid
- What to expect as City of Culture judges head to Southampton
- Weston Park pupils throw support behind UK City of Culture 2025 bid
Today, a warm welcome was given by Weston Park Primary School who cheered and waved enthusiastically on Weston Shore as the judges sailed past.
Headteacher James Wiltshire said: "I would be really pleased if Southampton wins.
"The vision for the City of Culture matches our own vision of creating opportunities and chances for children.
"It is all about making sure arts and culture are celebrated.
"I really hope Southampton wins, I think this city deserves it."
For Head Boy and Head Girl Ryan Stewart and Edith McCurry, both 11, winning the City of Culture will support Southampton communities.
READ NEXT: Southampton businesses band together for UK City of Culture bid
Ryan said: “Winning the City of Culture will help the community in general and support places such as little shops, but also bigger places such as the towers here on Weston Shore.”
Edith added: “We should win because it makes our city the place to be and it will definitely help our school.
"This gives us a good chance to make our city a place with culture and variety.”
The independent expert panel then explored the city on foot and visited iconic Southampton landmarks such as God’s House Tower and the Saints Pub in Millbrook.
READ MORE: Five places that prove Southampton should be crowned the City of Culture
The panel later enjoyed a lunch prepared by City College hospitality students, under the guidance of MasterChef winner and SO25 UK City of Culture Chair Shelina Permaloo.
Head of City College Sarah Stannard said: "We are right in the centre of Southampton but our students come from across the city, so I think the City of Culture would be a huge benefit to all students and staff.
“There is so much talent and opportunity in Southampton and sometimes people can’t see it.
“City of Culture gives us a chance to really show people that they should be part of the community.
“Today, our hospitality students are cooking on a scale they are not used to working at.
"All our students have come together to make sure this event happened."
Level 2 Hospitality student Kirsten Johnson, 17, says hosting the panel was "a good experience."
She said: "It has been quite a good experience and is different to what we normally do.
"Winning City of Culture will give people an opportunity that they did not have before, and Southampton will be a better place."
This visit comes after the judging panel explored the other three finalist cities earlier this week.
The winner of the City of Culture will be announced at the end of May.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel