IN THREE years time Hull will be in the spotlight as the UK City of Culture, providing an opportunity to showcase its growing reputation as a vibrant northern city.
But, despite the opportunity for positive coverage, the chances are the city will largely remain in the long shadow of London, much like any other town or city north of Watford.
Tonight, three northern heavyweights will come together in Hull to debate the question What is northern?
Brookside and Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond, broadcaster Liz Kershaw and Times journalist Robert Crampton will gather in front of a live audience to get to the heart of what makes the North such a unique place.
The northern culture is often negatively portrayed but it is also fiercely defended by those born and brought up in the likes of Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle, not to mention Hull.
This, is a genuine attempt to discard the cliches, tropes, stereotypes and generalisations associated with northernness in order to constructively discuss northern culture.
Chaired by Hull writer Dave Windass, the panel will be asked to ponder whether there a North/South divide at all and if there is such a thing as a shared northern identity.
"I think the northernness thing is pretty obvious," Mr Redmond said.
"We up north are hewn from the land and not simply living off it.
"This goes back to the Roman times and follows through history to the industrial revolution.
"The likes of Liverpool and Hull have been at the mercy of passing times and we just have to live for today.
"Due to this we have developed a sense of resilience and cynicism but also deep social bonds and a certain sentimentality."
But this down-to-earth sense is not limited to the North, Mr Redmond believes.
"This could also be said for the likes of the Midlands, Cornwall and Wales," he said.
"But London and the southern counties have always fed off somewhere else and have been protected from the effects of change.
"But many countries have a dominant city of which other areas are suspicious of, whether it's Paris or Edinburgh.
"The North/South divide is deep-rooted.
"We need to recognise the divide does exist and industrial areas like Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Hull shift in fortune."
But Mr Redmond doesn't believe being from the North shouldn't be seen as a hindrance.
"I don't think the divide is a negative thing and it's never held me back," he said.
"There are lots of positives in not being involved in London.
"I think the quality of life is better up here.
"There is a sense of place and a pride in the community."
Hull's UK City of Culture success should help promote what being northern is all about.
"UK City of Culture can have as big or as little an effect as Hull wants," Mr Redmond said.
"There will be £100m worth of media exposure, which isn't a huge deal but it is how the city capitalises on that.
"It is an excuse for the whole community to come together, talk to each other and pool resources.
"This will give the community the confidence to achieve more as long as the mistake isn't made in promising too much."
Ms Kershaw believes accent plays a big part in the North/South divide.
"I get quite irate by the stereotypes," she said.
"It is OK to be northern if you want to be funny or make music but don't dare step above your station and become a Parliamentarian, read the Six O'Clock News or host the Today Programme.
"There hasn't been a northern sounding prime minister since Harold Wilson.
"Strangely, there doesn't seem to be situation regarding national accents from Scotland, Wales or Ireland."
Ms Kershaw questions whether there should be a legal status for discriminating against regional accents.
"You can be entertaining, savvy and cool but try entering the establishment and you will have very little chance," she said.
"There is no legislation against this kind of discrimination.
"There is against race, gender and religion but not against regionalism.
"I had elocution lessons and went to a private school but I decided I didn't want to lose my accent.
"I am proud of where I am from.
"It was difficult having grown up in Rochdale. I wouldn't say I was arrogant but I felt I needed to be better than everyone else to succeed.
"When I got on to Radio 1 there was that prejudice but that has gone now.
Ms Kershaw has strong ties to East Yorkshire.
"My partner is from Hull and grew up off Beverley Road," she said.
"From the age of ten we used to have a caravan at Ulrome and went every weekend.
"The UK City of Culture will be a great thing for Hull.
"There is something to be said for being on the edge of the world."
Mr Crampton feels it is difficult to explain the northern identity.
"You kind of instinctively know how it feels to be northern but it can be difficult to put into words," he said.
"I have lived more of my life in the South than the North but I still feel northern.
"When you meet northerners in London there is always that sense of affection.
"My family still lives up in Hull and we are up there a lot.
"You engage with people more easily in northern towns and cities."
Being northern is also political as well as cultural, Mr Crampton feels.
"There is also a political aspect to it," he said.
"It's generally true that those in the North vote Labour and those down South vote Tory.
"The divide definitely exists but it is becoming more about London and the rest."
Mr Crampton believes this is an exciting time for Hull.
"There is a lot going in Hull at the moment," he said.
"UK City of Culture is a huge thing and Hull City getting to the FA Cup Final will be watched by millions world wide.
"But for the long-term Siemens coming will have the biggest impact.
"With so many jobs and the prospect of more, this is the most important issue."
The event, organised by Head In A Book, will take place tonight at Kardomah in Alfred Gelder Street, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5. Visit www.headinabook.eventbrite.co.uk for more information.
