A competition to find the nation's first ‘City of culture' has been launched by culture secretary, Ben Bradshaw. The winning city will become a focus for national attention in 2013, and could host high-profile media events. Building on Liverpool's success as European Capital of Culture in 2008, the successful city could expect to see economic and social benefits flow in. Bids will also be welcome from closely linked urban areas, or cities with their surrounding areas.
