Areas will receive £40,000 grants to support the next step of their applications to succeed Coventry
Armagh City, Bradford, County Durham and Stirling are among the eight places in the UK longlisted to become the next city of culture, after a record of 20 bids.
Cornwall, Derby, Southampton, and Wrexham County Borough are also in the running to host the year of cultural festivities in 2025, the culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, announced on Friday.