THE Isle of Wight-supported bid to make Southampton the UK City of Culture in 2025 has made progress — with the city now in the final four.

Southampton, Bradford, County Durham, and Wrexham County Borough have been unveiled as the four areas shortlisted.

The four locations were approved by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries based on independent advice made to the government by a panel of experts led by Sir Phil Redmond.

The finalists were whittled down from a record 20 initial bids to eight outstanding longlist applications which also included Cornwall, Derby, Stirling and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon.

All bids were asked to explain how they would use culture to grow and strengthen their local area, as well as how they would use culture to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The benefits of winning the prestigious title include attracting millions of pounds in additional investment to help boost regeneration, a year in the cultural spotlight with hundreds of events encouraging long-lasting participation in the arts, and growth for local tourism.

Arts minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “The UK City of Culture competition shows the important role culture can play in levelling up our towns, cities and rural communities — bringing investment, great events, thousands of tourists, and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“We have seen a huge positive impact in this year’s host city, Coventry, with millions of pounds in investment and thousands of visitors.

“This has been a record year for bids, which is great to see. Congratulations to the four shortlisted places — I wish them all the best of luck.”

Coventry has seen more than £172 million invested in funding music concerts, public art displays, the UK’s first permanent immersive digital art gallery, a new children’s play area in the centre of the city, the new Telegraph Hotel and improvements to public transport.

The expert advisory panel, chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, will now visit the four shortlisted places before making their final recommendation in May. The winner will be announced this year in Coventry.

The Isle of Wight Council has made a £10,000 contribution towards Southampton's bid, from the regeneration budget.

A further £50,000 could be spent on supporting projects on the IW over the next five years.