SWANSEA Bay has made the shortlist to be crowned UK City of Culture.
The bay region — which includes Carmarthenshire, Neath and Port Talbot — is up against Dundee, Hull and Leicester in the race for the 2017 title, with the winner being announced in November.
If the bid is successful there would be a series of events and festivals across the three counties — and it's also being proposed that the British Lions rugby squad for the 2017 tour to New Zealand would be announced in Swansea Bay.
Swansea Council cabinet member for regeneration, Nick Bradley, said: "Being shortlisted shows just how far have come as a cultural destination — it's a huge vote of confidence in our communities and ambition.
"The entire region can now embrace and back the bid because we've got so much to be proud of."
Swansea Bay's bid has received the backing of big names including actor Michael Sheen, Dr Who writer Russell T Davies, Swansea City and the Ospreys.
The idea of a UK City of Culture was born after the success of the European City of Culture initiative and will happen every four years.
The winner of the 2017 title will succeed this year's City of Culture, Londonderry in Northern Ireland.
The City of Culture scheme is administered by the UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
