Sunderland becoming City of Culture 2021 would bring more 'jobs and social opportunities' to Sunderland

A business student thinks Sunderland being named City of Culture 2021 would pave an even brighter future for young people in the city.
Laura PritchardLaura Pritchard
Laura Pritchard

Laura Pritchard, 21, from Thornhill, is one of the 21 culture bid champions recruited to help get the message out about Sunderland's ambition to become UK City of Culture.

Sunderland is competing with four other shortlisted cities, Coventry, Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent and Swansea, for the prestigious title and the winner will be named in December.

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If successful, Sunderland would see an influx of private and public sector funding as well as a boost in visitor numbers and a carnival atmosphere with strings of events and projects as all eyes fall on Wearside in 2021.

Laura is studying a business and management degree at the University of Sunderland.

She thinks a successful City of Culture would bring more jobs and social opportunities to the city: “Sunderland has gone through a lot of development over the last few years and being City of Culture would help put it on the map.

“I also think it would make prospective students more inclined to choose the University of Sunderland to study at.

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“I’d like to see development of High Street with a few more shops and I’d like to see more opportunities for students to live and work in the city once they’ve finished studying.

“I’d be really proud to say that I’ve worked and studied in a place that is UK City of Culture. It would be great for other students to come to the city and experience what it has to offer, and then perhaps stay and work in the city after they are done.

“It would be great to see more West End shows coming to the city, ensuring families can experience world class shows without having to travel

“Sunderland has gone through a lot of changes and has passionate people. A successful bid would create more job opportunities, social opportunities, and also create more of a buzz around the city.”