SUNDERLAND has formally submitted its final UK City of Culture bid, with plenty of hopes it could succeed.

The city’s second-stage bid to win the prestigious title in 2021, worth £107 million to Wearside, was lodged with the Government without fanfare.

The bid will be considered alongside others from Coventry, Paisley, Swansea and Stoke before a winner is announced in Hull – the current holders – in December. City of Culture judges will visit the city in early November.

Rebecca Ball, Director of Sunderland 2021, said: “It’s a huge achievement to have made it to this stage in such a competitive process. And our 50-page submission document makes it clear we are going all out to win it.

“Bidding for the UK City of Culture title is as much about the journey, as it is the outcome. We know positive links have been established across the city that will endure for generations. The city has a shared focus and I’m certain that our unity will be a huge boost as we enter the final stage of this contest.”

Leaders are keen to point out that there will be a strong legacy from the bidding process.

Graeme Thompson, Pro Vice Chancellor at University of Sunderland and Chair of the Sunderland 2021 Steering Group, said: “Our bid is ambitious but realistic, exciting but deliverable, transformational but affordable.

“It is the culmination of months of work by a dedicated team and a committed partnership that have galvanised the city behind the bid.

“The city deserves this honour and would deliver a celebration of arts and culture of which the country would be proud.”

He said funding would come from national funders and organisations such as Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and major charitable trusts. Others likely to invest include businesses and private sponsors.

The bid has been overseen by Sunderland Culture, whose core partners are Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust. Sunderland Culture was set up to run major attractions and deliver large-scale cultural projects in the city. It also raises the profile of the city’s arts provision and will manage programming for the city’s cultural sector.

Council leader Councillor Paul Watson said: “It’s been really heartening to see such fantastic grass roots support for this bid right across Sunderland and the North-East. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our unique culture than by winning the UK City of Culture. It would be a huge boost for the city and the region."