Eleven cities of the UK have registered bids to be considered for culture'>UK City of Culture 2021, with the prospective candidates hoping to become the third such choice after Hull and Derry-Londonderry.

Bestowed every four years, the title designed to use culture as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration and increase levels of arts and creativity locally and across the country.

Coventry, Hereford, Paisley, Perth, Portsmouth, St David’s and the Hundred of Dewisland, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Swansea, Warrington and Wells have all formally entered the competition, with each city aiming to demonstrate why their programme is underpinned by heritage and how it will build on existing investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which has also pledged £3m to the winning city.

Since winning the title of City of Culture in 2013, Hull has had investment worth around £1bn and it is estimated that the city's economy will have a boost of £60m in 2017.

“UK City of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for towns and cities to celebrate their creativity and use culture as a catalyst for economic growth,” said culture minister Matt Hancock.

“I am delighted to see so many bids from across the country, showing how many areas recognise the important role culture can play in the development and regeneration of communities.

“This helps boost tourism and raises the profile of arts and culture. The exciting funding commitment from the Heritage Lottery Fund today is yet another incentive for towns to secure this prestigious title.”