The four cities shortlisted to become the UK’s first city of culture in 2013 have been announced.

Birmingham, Londonderry, Norwich and Sheffield will each go through to the final stage, with the winning city to be announced in summer.

The four cities were chosen from a longlist of 14, including Barnsley and Durham.

Margaret Hodge, minister for culture, media and sport, said: ‘I was very impressed with all 14 bids and for those not shortlisted I would say take heart from what you’ve achieved and continue to work on creating a cultural offer which can be enjoyed by all.’

Phil Redmond, chair of the independent advisory panel that made the decision, said: ‘In deciding on the four cities recommended - Derry/Londonderry, Birmingham, Norwich, and Sheffield – the panel was influenced by the expected step change each city was asked to envisage, if they gained the title and subsequent media spotlight.’

Plans to create a British city of culture were announced in early 2009, following the success of Liverpool’s year as European capital of culture. 

by Clare Goff, www.newstartmag.co.uk