Derry Wins The Prize

By Jason Gallagher

Derry/Londonderry has fought off stiff competition to be named the UK's inaugural City of Culture for 2013, pipping Birmingham, Sheffield and Norwich to the title.

The accolade which comes with no state funding is designed to help areas boost their economy using tourism and creative ideas.

The announcement on Thursday was broadcast on live television and was met with jubilant scenes in Derry where hundreds had gathered in the city's Guildhall to await the decision.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness who traveled to Liverpool for the results was "over the moon" and described the announcement as a "precious prize for the peacemakers."

The idea of putting Derry forward stemmed from the success that Liverpool enjoyed as European City of Culture in 2008 where it reaped over €800m worth of economic investment, reshaping its infrastructure and propelling its image into an attractable cosmopolitan city.

Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said that the award had "injected a huge amount of self confidence, as well as bequeathing a legacy of pride and ambition."

The news came as a breath of fresh air to the city that has seen history shape its image for too long and comes only a month to the day after the publication of the Saville Report which closed the books on the Bloody Sunday tragedy once and for all.

With no state funding, Derry has the task of making the highly marketable title a springboard for investment and tourism that is needed badly in today's economic climate.

Projects they're looking to develop include converting a sign of the past - an old army base - into a hub of cultural activity, which will include a 5-acre piazza, an art gallery and a maritime museum.

Plans are also being made for every child of Primary school age (4-11) to be given a musical instrument and lessons, encouraging every child to carry on in Novello Award winning and Grammy nominated, Phil Coulter's footsteps.

The prize could allow Derry to host culturally significant events such as the Brit Awards and Turner Prize.

Ellen McGrogan, a 21-year-old student from the city, was at the Guildhall for the announcement and recounted the wave of hysteria that swept through the room: "although it was raining outside, it didn't dampen the spirits as everybody started screaming to the news."

Hearing Kool and the Gang's hit 'Celebration' was a personal highlight, she joyfully admitted.

Speaking the day after, she said, "today there is a great buzz around the city as the award has given everyone a great sense of pride, and hopefully unity."

Ellen believes there is still the feeling of a divided city among Protestants and Catholics, but hopes that it might "help the communities interact more."

On Thursday, news came of yet another award that could be heading Derry's way, after it was announced they have been short-listed for European Youth Capital.

Mayor Councillor Colum Eastwood believed, "this latest announcement reflects the vibrancy of our youth who continue to play an integral part in shaping our city and region."

With the Troubles hanging a dark cloud over the Maiden City for too long, this award will surely go along way in bringing to light the culture that has enriched and spread its roots deep into Derry's soul.