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Regional daily gets behind City of Culture bid

Staff at a regional daily have changed their Twitter profile pictures in support of its patch’s UK City of Culture bid.

The Sunderland Echo is backing Sunderland to be awarded the title for 2021, and has urged readers to get on board.

In support of the campaign, staff are changing their Twitter profile pictures to the colours of the bid to help keep the campaign in the forefront of people’s minds.

The bid provided a splash for the Echo earlier this week.

sunderland-culture

Editorial director Joy Yates said: “We are delighted to be part of the campaign to back the bid for the City of Culture 2021 title and we encourage readers to change their profile pictures, and let as many people as possible know what a great city we live and work in. Let’s bring the title home.”

As part of the campaign, the Echo has also announced a new partnership with a football museum set up by community volunteers.

The paper is giving its support to the SAFC Museum, which exhibits memorabilia related to Sunderland AFC.

Among the exhibits on display are medals won by the club’s legendary goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery, as well as the boardroom table and chairs from Sunderland’s former Roker Park stadium.

Echo managing editor Gavin Foster said: “We’re entering into a partnership with the museum and we will be supporting all of their events.

“It’s a fantastic cause and we’ve seen the popularity of the exhibition grow and grow in recent months.

“It’s clear the impact that the museum has already had on the city and fans of the football club. Now we want to work together to try and do some great things in future.”

The museum is the creation of supporter Michael Ganley, who personally owns hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of football memorabilia.

Said Michael: “The Echo’s support is imperative for us. Social media is one thing but to have the hard copy of the Echo supporting us is a massive thing that we need to keep going.”

Other cities which intend to bid for the 2021 title include Coventry, Perth, Paisley, Stoke, Hereford and Warrington.

2 comments

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  • October 20, 2016 at 11:19 am
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    Sunderland and culture. That’s akin to tuna with custard.

    I’ve travelled extensively in the UK and can honestly say there few places with LESS culture than Sunderland.

    Just another attempt by this failing newspaper to hitch up to any passing wagon.

    If it was April 1 this would be quite good.

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  • October 21, 2016 at 8:32 am
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    BTW, there will be no Sunderland Echo by 2021. That is a certainty. I’m happy to put money on it.

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