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Congratulations to Derry/Londonderry - UK City of Culture 2013
Beating off competition from Birmingham, Sheffield and Norwich, the maiden city has triumphed in being recognised as a destination worthy of acclaim for its rich and diverse cultural heritage.
2013 will mark the 400th anniversary of the building of the city's walls.
Whether you call it Londonderry, Derry or Stroke City, all are agreed it has a varied history, but during the Troubles few could have foretold that it could one day be a City of Culture.
The winning bid is announced in the aftermath of a period during which Derry has been in the spotlight: the release of the much anticipated Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday coupled with the hostility that occurred over the twelfth could have jeopardised a successful bid. But Derry has proven to domestic and international audiences that it can overcome a troubled past and in many ways be a beacon of inspiration for many communities, towns and cities across the province.
The province can now take a greater ownership of the maiden city as a city that is welcoming, safe and inclusive of all.
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