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Stars line up for Derry
bid
19.05.10
THE stars are lining up
to back Derry's bid to become UK City of Culture in
three years' time. Alternative rock band Snow Patrol
are the latest to support the city's ambitious
efforts by allowing their latest single 'Just Say
Yes' to be used as the local bid anthem.
There are just two days to go before Derry submits
its final bid to the City of Culture panel.
Snow Patrol front man, Gary Lightbody's family
originate from Derry.
“Derry is a vibrant, warm and creative city and its
cultural life has always thrived. The city has an
exciting future ahead and I can’t think of anywhere
that deserves to win this accolade more," he said.
He praised the work of legendary Derry band The
Undertones.
"The Undertones wrote apolitical anthems for the
youth of Ireland at a time when we needed an escape
from politics and religion the most. The Nerve
Centre was in Derry and was highly functional and
creative long before we set up the Oh Yeah Centre in
Belfast. It was the inspiration for us when we were
setting the centre up,” he added. |
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Lightbody is just
another in a long line of film stars, artists,
musicians and writers to back Derry's efforts. The
others include the poets Seamus Heaney and Seamus
Deane; actors James Nesbitt, Gabriel Byrne, Brendon
Gleeson, Ciaran McMenamin and Bronagh Gallagher; TV
presenter Anne Robinson and Manchester United star
Darron Gibson.
Derry is one of four cities shortlisted in the race
along with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield. Since
it was shortlisted in February 2010, support for the
campaign has been rapidly building momentum, with
thousands of people backing it on Facebook. The
city’s crusade has also received support from the
United States, with the US economic envoy to
Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, backing the bid. The
city will submit its final bid at the end of May
2010, and the winner of UK City of Culture 2013 will
be announced this summer. To get involved visit
www.cityofculture2013.com |
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