Today we will finally find out whether Southampton will be crowned the next UK City of Culture.

The much-anticipated announcement will be made just after 7pm on The One Show.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, will reveal the winner of the competition from Coventry - the current City of Culture.

With its maritime heritage and cultural diversity, Southampton has lots going for it.

It's described by some as 'the gateway to England' thanks to its international port - one of the busiest in the country.

Historic landmarks such as the Bargate, the City Walls and God's House Tower make it an interesting place to visit, as do its fascinating links to the Titanic.

But fellow finalists Braford, County Durham and Wrexham County Borough also have a lot to offer.


Read more: A close look at the City of Culture finalists - and who we're up against


Bradford is famous for being the home of what was once the world’s largest silk factory.

Built in 1838, the mighty Lister's Mill in Manningham dominates the Bradford skyline.

County Durham is well-known for Durham's 11th century cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site while Wrexham, the only Welsh finalist, boasts the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - a navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen in northeast Wales.

Wrexham also hosts Focus Wales - the country's biggest music industry event.

With just a few hours to go before the annoucement, what we'd like to know is: Who do you think will win the title?

Let us know in our poll.

 

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