Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc is getting right behind Swansea Bay’s bid to become the UK City of Culture in 2017.
“Swansea has a proud history, amazing people and strong cultural traditions all of its own. We would love to see that showcased to the world during the 2017 Year of Culture at the same time as our tidal lagoon will hopefully also go live and we are urging everyone to get behind the bid and make it happen,” said Tessa Blazey of Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay Plc .
With the proposed tidal lagoon set to become so much more than just a power station, Swansea Bay will benefit from a mix of sport, art, education and cultural benefits including a visitor centre, water sports arena, local art installations and dedicated education programme giving young people the opportunity to learn about tidal power.
Swansea Bay has already been shortlisted and now faces competition from Hull, Leicester and Dundee to reach the final hurdle. Final bids go in at the end of September and the winner will be announced in November 2013.
Swansea Bay is putting together an exciting programme of events as part of its bid for the year that will reach every age group and every part of the region, as well as attracting spectators from all across the UK.
Programme proposals include something for everyone, including an episode of Dr Who set in Swansea, an unsigned songwriters’ festival, and a crowd funding appeal to bring back the Mumbles Railway.
“The programme isn’t just based on what people traditionally think of as ‘culture’ – like art, theatre or opera. The vision is to take Swansea’s vibrant day-to-day culture and reflect it back at the people in a series of fun and inclusive events,” said a spokesperson for the bid team .
When Liverpool was European Capital of Culture in 2008 it attracted a huge level of investment and creativity and Swansea Bay can do the same, leaving a lasting legacy of sustainable annual cultural events for the region.
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Press release, October 7, 2013; Image: swanseabay2017