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 Glasgow News

Family friendly fun on offer at the oldest house in Glasgow during Easter school holidays

Family friendly fun on offer at the oldest house in Glasgow during Easter school holidays

Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, will host a series of family-friendly activities during the Easter school holidays to mark its reopening.

READ MORE
Strictly champion Kevin Clifton joins Everybodys Talking About Jamie

Strictly champion Kevin Clifton joins Everybodys Talking About Jamie

Staring X-Factor winner and legend Sam Bailey and Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton, Everybody's Talking About Jamie comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in May!

READ MORE
Top contenders get shortlisted in the 7th Scottish Hospitality Award 2024

Top contenders get shortlisted in the 7th Scottish Hospitality Award 2024

Creative Oceanic powered by Oceanic Awards is proud to announce the 7th Scottish Hospitality Awards 2024.

READ MORE
First listening bar in Scotland to open in Glasgow

First listening bar in Scotland to open in Glasgow

Scotland's first listening bar opens this weekend with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack Glasgow.

READ MORE
Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Glasgow

Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Glasgow

Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Glasgow's King's Theatre!

READ MORE
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
Ozen brings its cult classic Eastern fusion flavours westside!

Ozen brings its cult classic Eastern fusion flavours westside!

Glasgow gourmands, the wait is over! After shaking up the street food scene in the Scottish capital, Ozen is now bringing its Eastern fusion flavours westside and launching in Glasgow!

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
Popular annual Glasgow book festival Aye Write called off after funding rejected

Popular annual Glasgow book festival Aye Write called off after funding rejected

There will be no Aye Write book festival this year after its application for funding was rejected by Creative Scotland.

READ MORE
Hospital patients receive tasty treats from Buchanan Galleries

Hospital patients receive tasty treats from Buchanan Galleries

Buchanan Galleries, together with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, has donated 500 chocolate Easter Eggs for children in hospital to enjoy.

READ MORE
Go Cycle Fund evaluation showcases cycling success in Glasgow

Go Cycle Fund evaluation showcases cycling success in Glasgow

An independent evaluation published by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has highlighted significant, wide-ranging benefits delivered by the Go Cycle Glasgow Fund.

READ MORE
VEGA unveils vibrant new music programme to celebrate spring nights

VEGA unveils vibrant new music programme to celebrate spring nights

VEGA, Glasgow's sky-high bar and restaurant, has unveiled a jam-packed new weekly music programme to welcome those sunny spring nights!

READ MORE
Matt Cardle to play Shakespeare in & Juliet

Matt Cardle to play Shakespeare in & Juliet

Multi-platinum selling recording artist and award-winning West End actor, Matt Cardle, will play the role of Shakespeare in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of & Juliet.

READ MORE
Additional dates announced for 60th Anniversary pantomime!

Additional dates announced for 60th Anniversary pantomime!

The King's Theatre, Glasgow have announced additional dates for this year's high-flying pantomime adventure, Peter Pan.

READ MORE
Historic Glasgow village launches digital heritage trail

Historic Glasgow village launches digital heritage trail

Carmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.

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
Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels

Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels

Macdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.

READ MORE
Unmasking Leaders Workshop: Unlock Your Leadership Potential in Glasgow this April

Unmasking Leaders Workshop: Unlock Your Leadership Potential in Glasgow this April

Leadership specialist Gavin Bryce announces the launch of the second Unmasking Leaders Workshop of 2024 on Thursday 11th April in Glasgow returns by demand.

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
Silverburn confirm latest new openings this Spring

Silverburn confirm latest new openings this Spring

Scotland's inaugural Polestar Showroom officially opened at leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn on Friday 22nd March.

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
Glasgow Film Festival 2024 celebrates a bumper 20th edition

Glasgow Film Festival 2024 celebrates a bumper 20th edition

Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) 2024 wrapped up on Sunday 10 March by celebrating a bumper year of ticket sales and local and international talent.

READ MORE
Six by Nico announce New York themed menu

Six by Nico announce New York themed menu

Six by Nico's upcoming menu promises to take guests on a quintessential New York gastronomic excursion.

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
Strathclyde University are crowned winners of the Glasgow Taxis Cup

Strathclyde University are crowned winners of the Glasgow Taxis Cup

Strathclyde University were crowned winners of Scotland’s largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, after edging out city rivals Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian.

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
Award winning performance Pain and I returns to tour Scotland

Award winning performance Pain and I returns to tour Scotland

Award-winning performance Pain and I by Sarah Hopfinger, about living with chronic pain, and moving with care, returns to tour Scotland.

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

Fun Time Carnivals: Glasgow Green
Fun Time Carnivals are bringing their funfair to Glasgow Green between Friday 29th March and Sunday 14th April, just in time for the Easter Holidays!
Big Feed Easter Holiday Weekend
Come join Big Feed at Golf It! for their first event of the year... the Big Feed Easter Holiday Weekend!
Hong Kong Street Market
Bring your friends, family, and doggies for a weekend filled with excitement and cultural exploration when the Hong Kong Street Market returns to the Barras Market!
Silverburn Carnival
Easter fun for everyone! From heart-pounding thrills for all ages to sweet treats and classic funfair games! There is something for the whole family at the Silverburn Carnival!
The Bubble Show by Rainbow Twisters
From bubbles that seem to defy the laws of physics to delicate floating formations, Rainbow Twisters' Bubble Show is a celebration of creativity, bubbles, and the simple act of play!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro