Nottingham has been named a world City of Literature.
The announcement was made by international culture group UNESCO after an application for the city to join 11 other locations around the world which already had the honour.
The successful bid was produced by a consortium of local writers, academics and politicians, and included a range of work which shows off Nottingham’s talent.
It means the city joins the worldwide Creative Cities Network.
Included in the bid were the area’s literature heritage links to writers Lord Byron, DH Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe.
Norwich is the only other city in England included in the list of literature locations.
We will stop being seen as a bit of a village
Author Shreya Sen Handley, an ambassador for Nottingham’s bid, said: “It’s fantastic news, it means economic growth as it will bring in tourists, it will bring in more cultural projects and funding for those projects.
“It also raises Nottingham’s profile – nationally and internationally we will stop being seen as a bit of a village.
“I hope it will also encourage reading and writing and improve literacy.”
Others include Edinburgh, Dublin, Norwich, Melbourne, Iowa City, Reykjavík, Krakow, Dunedin, Heidelberg, Granada and Prague.
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova made the announcement in Paris.
She said: “This represents an immense potential to assert the role of culture as enabler of sustainable development.
“I would like to recognise the many new cities and their countries that are enriching the network with their diversity.”
The label is expected to boost tourism and build more links between creative businesses, arts venues and writers.
City of Literature bid: What was the city judged on?
- Diversity of publishing in the city
- Quality and quantity of educational programmes focusing on domestic or foreign literature at primary, secondary and tertiary levels
- Literature, drama and poetry playing an important role in the city
- Hosting literary events and festivals which promote domestic and foreign literature
- Existence of libraries, book stores and public or private cultural centres which preserve, promote and disseminate literature
- Involvement by the publishing sector in translating literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature
- Active involvement of traditional and new media in promoting literature and strengthening the market for literary products
