TONIGHT thousands of people got a taste of what Southampton has to offer.

The city was featured on The One Show this evening as part of the UK City of Culture bid.

A number of places were featured on the show including God's House Tower and the Saints Pub as well as the city's art and cultural diversity.

"With not only a focus on history but also young people and diversity at the heart of their bid, Southampton rose to the challenge today and the judges have certainly got their work cut out for them, that's for sure," said presenter Michelle Ackerley.

Daily Echo:

The show featured the warm welcome from Weston Park Primary School who cheered and waved enthusiastically on Weston Shore as the judges sailed past on May 13.

The show visited God's House Tower and spoke to creative director Dan Crow who said that culture is "in our blood".

"We've got that deep, deep heritage," he said.

Daily Echo:

Michelle then interviewed MasterChef winner and SO25 UK City of Culture Chair Shelina Permaloo, who cooked up a lunch for the judges.

The presenter also visited the Saints Pub in Millbrook and interviewed owner Eugene McManus about the live music scene, which he said kicked off after lockdown.

Daily Echo:

On top of this, the show also spoke to a number of local residents who described the city as "pretty and green" as well as culturally diverse.

Another main focus on the show was the local skaters who frequent Guildhall Square.

The winner of the City of Culture will be announced at the end of May.