Southampton is one of just a handful of areas which will be handed £40,000 to develop an application to become the UK’s next City of Culture, with the Isle of Wight throwing its support behind the bid.

The Hampshire port, a hop across the water from the Island, is among eight areas to progress to the next stage for City of Culture 2025.

Southampton faces competition from Bradford, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby and the two joint bids of Stirling and Wrexham County Borough, and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.

They were whittled down from an original 20 applications.

In July, Southampton's bid was described as 'an opportunity not to be missed,' when the Isle of Wight became a supporting regional partner, providing political, practical and financial aid.

Speaking earlier this year, Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for regeneration and business development, councillor Julie Jones-Evans, said it was exciting for the Island to be a part of the bid.

Isle of Wight County Press:

It is hoped by joining forces with a city linked by transport, tourism and maritime associations there will be, like in the current title holder, Coventry, an investment and jobs boost.

The £40,000 grant will help develop the eight areas' full applications, ahead of a shortlist being announced early next year.

A winner is expected to be announced in May.

Culture secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background.

“This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come.

"I look forward to seeing what this brilliant longlist has in store as they continue in the competition.”

The bids were asked to include information on how they intended to use culture to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, as well as how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area.

Sir Phil Redmond, ch airman of the City of Culture expert advisory panel, and quoted by PA, said: “The expressions of interest stage was introduced as an opportunity to encourage many more places to experience the benefit of coming together to define and share a cultural vision for their areas, and what the longlist demonstrates is the range and depth of cultural ambition across the whole of the UK.

“Also for the first time, each longlisted city will receive financial support to help them develop their vision. Each is different. Each has its own story to tell. All share a common aim: to demonstrate how culture can act as the creative catalyst for change. I am really looking forward to seeing how each story develops.”