Hollywood actor Michael Sheen backing Swansea Bay culture capital bid

MOVIE star Michael Sheen is throwing his weight behind Swansea Bay's bid to become UK City of Culture in 2013.

The award-winning actor is one of a number of high profile industry names supporting the title bid, which could help attract world-wide interest and millions of pounds in economic benefits to the region.

New Moon and The Queen star Michael said he was a firm supporter of Swansea's cultural life.

"I'm very excited to be supporting this bid," he said.

"We have such a wealth of cultural activity in Swansea Bay and I'm proud to support it in any way I can.

"It would be a real recognition of that if Swansea Bay were to be named UK City of Culture."

Swansea Bay Futures, which is leading the region's approach, has already put in an initial bid to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in London and will find out how it has got on early next month.

Final short-listed areas will be challenged to develop a much more detailed "full and final" bid, with the winner to be announced in the summer.

Swansea Bay's bid team also includes writer and broadcaster Peter Stead, who was on the evaluation panel that chose Liverpool for City of Culture in 2008.

He is bringing valuable expertise from that experience.

"Public support, particularly once the shortlist is announced, is vital," he said.

"If we're on that list, and I'm optimistic we will be, the people of Swansea Bay will need to show they really want it to come here."

Council leader Chris Holley said if Swansea Bay succeeded, it could attract world-wide interest to the region, create jobs and generate millions of pounds during the year itself, as well as bringing long-term economic benefits.

"It will be a brilliant endorsement of Swansea and Swansea Bay if we make the final shortlist," he added.

Swansea Bay Futures executive director Fiona Rees said: "The fantastic events we have hosted before prove Swansea Bay has the ambition and the ability to deliver even more in the future.

"It's the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas in 2014, so the designation as UK City of Culture in 2013 couldn't come at a better time."

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk