Derry is Capital of Culture

Derry will be the UK's inaugural City of Culture. The decision was announced in Liverpool, England, on Thursday.

Derry was one of four cities in for the honor which was inspired by Liverpool's success as European Capital of Culture two years ago.

Derry will reign as cultural capital in 2013 and its designation is expected to be a significant windfall for the city and surrounding area, both in terms of drawing visitors and hosting significant cultural events.

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"Winning the title UK City of Culture 2013 is a tremendous achievement for the city of Derry/Londonderry and for Northern Ireland as a whole. I have had the opportunity to visit the city on a number of occasions in recent months and have enjoyed very much working with the bid team to help support their great achievements in securing this win today," was how U.S. Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, reacted to the news.

Martin McGuinness, who penned an op-ed in the Echo recently in support of his home city's bid, said he was very proud of Derry and hoped the city's success would draw many more visitors from around the world.

McGuinness, the Northern Ireland deputy first minister, was in Liverpool for the announcement.

 

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