West Yorkshire Combined Authority: Leeds’ Capital of Culture bid a boost for the whole City Region

Thursday, 20 July 2017 07:00

The Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has labelled Leeds’ bid to be European Capital of Culture as a ‘boost for the entire City Region’, 100 days ahead of its formal submission.

Cllr Peter Box, who is also Leader of Wakefield Council, said the whole of the Leeds City Region would benefit from the increased visitor, investment and media interest arising from the bid and has encouraged all local residents and businesses to back it in full.

Leeds will put in its formal submission for the 2023 title on 27 October. It follows on from the city being named as one of Europe’s top destinations for international travellers by Lonely Planet, the City Region recording its highest levels of Foreign Direct Investment in the EY Attractiveness Survey 2017 and luxury brand Burberry announcing plans to open a ‘second hub’ alongside its London HQ in Leeds city centre later this year.

Two cities will be chosen as European Capital of Culture for 2023 – one from Hungary and one from the United Kingdom.

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