Swift Group celebrates as Hull is named UK City of Culture for 2017

by Chris Jefferies
Hull has beaten off stiff competition from Leicester, Dundee and Swansea Bay to be named the UK’s City of Culture for 2017.
The accolade recognises the city’s development and has been hailed by Hull council leader Stephen Brady as “a real game-changer”.
Known by many as the heartland of the UK’s booming caravan industry, Hull is also the home of poet Philip Larkin, the Ferens gallery and the Truck theatre.
The news has been welcomed by local caravan manufacturer Swift. Nick Page, Commercial Director at Swift Group, said: “We are delighted that Hull has been recognised at City of Culture for 2017.
“We were involved in the bidding process and the Company was featured in the promotional video that was made for the bid.
“It is also a great boost for the local economy and as one of the major employees in Hull we recognise that this will raise the profile of the area.”
Previous UK City of Culture winners include Liverpool in 2008 and Derry/Londonderry in 2013.
And since the Northern Irish city combined art and caravanning so beautifully in the Borderline Project, we at CaravanTimes wouldn’t be surprised to see some caravan-themed artwork springing up in Hull city centre before long.
Whilst the City of Culture accolade doesn’t come with any extra Government arts funding, BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz has described the recognition as transformative.
Details of Hull’s celebrations are yet to be confirmed, but Will adds: “My guess is that the city will put on a great show.”