THE Isle of Wight-supported bid to make Southampton the UK City of Culture in 2025 is promising "a spectacular opening celebration on land, sea and air."

Details of the final submission have been published, with plans for "a vast fleet of vessels, invited from across the UK and the World, [accompanying] a floating stage, featuring the Goddess of the River Itchen, Ancasta."

If the bid wins, the night sky will also be transformed "into a giant canvas, with projections, drones and lasers across rooftops and landmarks including tower blocks and historic monuments."  

A Community Day would be held, in partnership with the International Boat Show and celebratory events would talk place across the entire year.

The Isle of Wight is a supporting regional partner and the title's winner will be announced in May.

Speaking in July, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for regeneration and business development, said it was exciting to be a part of it.

She said: "This is a good news story as far as I am concerned.

"Regeneration is not just about building things and creating jobs, it is about bringing the whole of our community up."

In October, the Southampton bid was shortlisted, which meant it was handed £40,000 to develop its application.

It 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.

On Monday (January 31), the city's Bargate monument was illuminated in iconic red and white, to mark its final bid submission.

The Isle of Wight Council is making a £10,000 contribution, from its regeneration budget.