Some have criticised the whole concept of a City of Culture but I manifestly disagree. I think it is great that we are celebrating our cities in this way and the effect on Derry / Londonderry and Liverpool, to take but two of the recent winners of such awards, has been tranformative in so many different ways.
Hull is bold, quirky, and different, but in a very good way. Don't take my word for it - listen to the great poet Philip Larkin who wrote:
"Hull is a city that is in the world, yet sufficiently on the edge of it to have a different resonance."
Hull has inspired not just Larkin but other poets like Andrew Motion, great bands and it has the sea on its doorstep, defining so much about the town. I look forward to visiting again soon and wish the town well with its preparations towards the celebrations.
