LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Final messages of support pour as Paisley waits on UK City of Culture 2021 decision

The people of Paisley now have just hours to wait to find out if their town will be crowned the next UK City of Culture!

Final messages of support pour as Paisley waits on UK City of Culture 2021 decision

Article Source: Paisley 2021
Last Updated: 6 December 2017 16:13

The winner of the 2021 title will be announced live on BBC’s The One Show on Thursday evening from current host Hull.

Paisley is the only Scottish place - and first-ever town - to make the shortlist for the 2021 title, awarded every four years by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, along with Coventry, Stoke, Sunderland and Swansea.

And the town has seen an outpouring of best wishes – with a DCMS-endorsed social media focus on Paisley generating a total reach of almost 300,000 people from the Paisley 2021 accounts in just 48 hours on Monday and Tuesday.

There was also backing from cultural, political and media heavyweights including broadcaster and former director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor, who said: “I think it is a credible candidate for the award, and I hope it wins.”

There was also support from former Downing Street director of communications Alastair Campbell – who has multiple connections to the town – and said: “Creativity and spirit remain intact in Paisley and the UK City of Culture bid has captured this.”

The town’s bid is part of a wider plan to transform its future using its internationally-significant heritage and cultural story as the one-time home of the world’s thread industry and the globally-recognised design icon, the Paisley Pattern.

And Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron has sent a final message to supporters ahead of the decision.

She said: "We’ve had some fantastic support in the past few days – as we have throughout the bid – and we thank everyone who has joined Team Paisley for this massive moment in our history.

“The two years since Paisley launched its UK City of Culture 2021 bid have been a wonderful journey and it’s been an honour to have been part of it.

"The bid has already changed Paisley for the better - taking our profile to new levels, raising awareness of our unique and overlooked stories, transforming the town’s reputation, and giving a sense of self-confidence back to a town which has suffered many blows in recent years.

"And it’s been a grassroots mass movement. People throughout Paisley and beyond have united behind a shared vision for the town and defined what culture means to them.

"Put simply, there is nothing with greater scope to transform Paisley's future than winning this title, and the economic and social legacy it will leave.

“It will harness the power of culture to improve health, well-being and life chances, and will change lives in some of Scotland's most deprived communities.

“Having been in Hull this week for the final presentation to DCMS we’ve seen at first-hand the massive investment which has flowed in ahead of their year in the spotlight and the enthusiasm local people have for being UK City of Culture hosts.

"While Paisley can and will use its unique selling points to drive new footfall and make the town a key destination for visitors, events and creative industry no matter what happens, the boost from hosting the 2021 title will turbocharge our journey.

"With an international airport on our doorstep and major investment in our town centre and historic venues confirmed, we will be ready to host a party in 2021 to which everyone is invited - and a warm Buddie welcome is guaranteed.

"We send our best wishes to our friends in our fellow bidding places and we thank DCMS for giving us this platform to show why we matter to Scotland, the UK and the world.”

It is estimated Paisley’s 2021 year could bring a £176m economic boost and create and sustain more than 4,700 jobs over a ten-year period.

Since Paisley's bid launched in 2015, more than 34,000 people - almost equivalent to half the town's population - have engaged in conversations around it.

The bid has also been backed by more than 200 businesses, including big names such as Glasgow International Airport, global drinks giant Diageo and the world's largest industrial thread manufacturer Coats PLC.

Renfrewshire Council has also confirmed a £46m investment in venues and town centre infrastructure to get the town ready to host, while the Scottish Government has confirmed financial support if Paisley wins the title.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

Tee up a Hoppy Easter Half Term for all the Family at Topgolf Glasgow

From an Easter Egg-stravaganza on Easter Sunday to high-tech golf games suitable for all the family, Topgolf Glasgow is a must-visit destination during the half-term break.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
Double billed award winning dance theatre show involving Cumbernauld youth talent, prepares to take the stage at Lanternhouse

Double billed award winning dance theatre show involving Cumbernauld youth talent, prepares to take the stage at Lanternhouse

And The Birds Did Sing, presented by Curious Seed, will be arriving in Cumbernauld on Thursday 26th March, for one performance.

READ MORE
Energy leaders to host open day for local community

Energy leaders to host open day for local community

LEADING UK renewable energy developer, OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables), is set to host an open day for community grant funding generated by a nearby wind farm.

READ MORE
M&Ds will host a special Preview Weekend to launch their new season!

M&Ds will host a special Preview Weekend to launch their new season!

Centre stage will be the unveiling of a new ride – the Air Raid - a thrill ride that will take you to your limits!

READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Lanark Amateur Musical Society will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a production of Sunshine on Leith

Lanark Amateur Musical Society will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a production of Sunshine on Leith

Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced Sunshine on Leith as their 45th anniversary production in March 2025.

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Pride South Lanarkshire returns for 2024

Pride South Lanarkshire returns for 2024

Lanarkshire Pride proudly announces the return of Pride South Lanarkshire on the 26th & 27th July 2024 in Hamilton town centre!

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

READ MORE
Scottish trad music is on the rise

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

READ MORE
The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!

READ MORE
Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.

READ MORE
Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

A Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.

READ MORE
Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.

READ MORE
Fishermen bid to reel in political support

Fishermen bid to reel in political support

An Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.

READ MORE
Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

The Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.

READ MORE
Could Kirstie and Phil help you bag your new home

Could Kirstie and Phil help you bag your new home

Channel 4's 'Location, Location, Location' is coming to Glasgow this Spring and they're looking for property hunters!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"

Popular Events

Clyde Valley Family Park Easter Egg Hunt
Join in the fun at Clyde Valley Family Park's MASSIVE EGG HUNT... search for one of our 1000's of coloured eggs hidden around the park to get an Easter treat!
Spring Family Fun and Easter Weekend
The Summerlee Easter Egg-stravaganza over the Spring holidays guarantees a cracking day out for all the family!
Easter At David Livingstone Birthplace
Join David Livingstone Birthplace on Friday 29th or Saturday 30th March and take part in their egg-cellent activities!
An Evening With Celtic Legends John Hartson and Chris Sutton
Join Celtic Legends John Hartson and Chris Sutton at The Town House on Friday 3rd May as they share their stories from their time at the club!
Clash Of The Titans: An Evening with Snooker Greats
Seven-times World Snooker Champion Stephen Hendry takes on his arch rival John Higgins 4 x world snooker champion in Hamilton with your host and referee for the evening the Dennis Taylor!

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton