Hull has been named UK City of Culture 2017. Here, the Mail's editor and City Leadership Board member Neil Hodgkinson explains why victory will be a major catalyst for change.
YES, we won! Shout it out loud. Go against that natural Hull nature of low-key reaction mixed with a part-justified cynicism and be very proud that Hull IS the UK City of Culture for 2017.
This is no mean feat. It is one hell of an achievement to beat off not only the cities of Swansea, Leicester and Dundee but also the national perception that we are an undeserving bunch – reinforced most recently by The Economist, who said we should all move away as there was no point investing in an area like ours. Well, they can stick that where the sun don't shine!
It is also a genuine reason to celebrate on behalf of everyone in the city – because that is who this award will benefit. Everyone. This decision will unlock £12m in funding for cultural events to be spread across 2017. That means one year - 52 weeks, 365 days - of full-on activities from music concerts to art exhibitions; street performers to food festivals and comedy, ballet, dance and other huge public spectaculars. Most of them will be free and all of them will attract much needed work and business to our city and region.
This is going to be big and – if we're being honest – it will need to be if we are to take the chance to boost the elements of our economy and society that need it most. Hull does have its problems with employment, education and a low level of aspiration as to what can be achieved by young and old as its efforts to build a brighter future have been hampered by recession, mismanagement, political in-fighting or the usual host of reasons that can cause a city's development to stall.
The bid document itself did not shy away from these points – which is no doubt partly the reason why we won. We know our proud history but we also want a proud of future. Memories are great but they don't pay the bills or offer bright futures to the next generations.
A title such as the Hull Daily Mail was only too willing to support and promote the City of Culture bid because we knew how important a victory would be to the people and an area we have been a part of since 1885. We are proud to have put our money where our mouth is and become an 'Angel' to help fund the festivities in 2017 - and all the other similar businesses should be congratulated for their foresight and support.
We are proud to have played our own small part but even prouder of the bid team and all the hundreds of people who helped bring home this coveted title.
I was brought up in a council-house in Fleetwood in the 1960s – another former fishing port which made Hull seem posh – so I know what it is like to have a difficult start in life and how important it is to be given opportunities. We all should want our kids to share in an aspirational culture; one that allows youngsters to dream and helps and inspires them to achieve.
That, more than anything, is what the awarding of the City of Culture title to Hull will actually mean. It will, without doubt aid the economy and provide real jobs for real Hull people. It will be employment that can be grasped in reality and not be based on talk and theory. Many unemployed people, both young and old, should see a chance to get work; to rebuild their self-confidence and to once more be masters of their own destiny.
The tourism and hospitality sector; the supply chains to new companies suddenly wanting to align themselves with a buoyant and confident city will create work that fits our area. We have the people.
It will be a major catalyst for change and it will give young and old a chance to dream of a better future. And who would argue against being given that chance? Let's just all make sure we don't waste it.
