Coventry has joined the race to become the UK City of Culture in 2021!

The bid is being led by a group of councillors, business leaders, arts groups and the city’s two universities, which recommended unanimously that the city should enter.

If successful, the campaign could be worth up to £80 million to the local economy as well as a number of social and cultural benefits.

Coventry-based businessman and Deputy Lieutenant David Burbidge OBE, who is leading the campaign, said: “This is a huge opportunity for Coventry.”

Pictured – David Burbidge (left) with Pauline Black, singer and founding member of 2-tone ska band The Selecter, who is backing the bid