East Kent's campaign to become UK City of Culture in 2017 has received a boost today with the backing of leading designer Wayne Hemingway.

Award-winning architect Sir David Chipperfield has also pledged his support for the bid.

The area of east Kent is competing against 10 others across the UK for the title in a competition organised by the government.

But Kent's bid stretches beyond a city - to include Canterbury, Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Thanet.

It will compete against Aberdeen, Chester, Dundee, Hastings and Bexhill-on- Sea, Hull, Leicester, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, Southend-on-Sea, and Swansea Bay for the prestigious prize.

East Kent's bid team has been building a growing army of supporters from across the region including Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre and Margate's Turner Contemporary.

Now designer Mr Hemingway (pictured above right) and architect Sir David have added their names.

Mr Hemingway said: "East Kent is clearly finding its cultural mojo. Through the work we are about to embark on with the Dreamland Trust in Margate, I have come to recognise and appreciate the depth, resourcefulness, creativity, diversity and wit of the area’s cultural community – a community
that is well equipped to deliver projects of international significance."

And Sir David said: "The creative revival that I have witnessed in east Kent – and had the pleasure of playing a part in through my work with Turner Contemporary in Margate – is truly astonishing.

"The area stands as a shining example of the positive role arts and culture can play in driving economic regeneration and social growth."

Entrants have until April 30 to submit their initial bids, which will be considered by an independent advisory panel chaired by Phil Redmond.

The panel will then decide on a shortlist, to be announced in June.

Chris Hespe, head of culture at Kent County Council, said the county bid has "huge amounts of support and enthusiasm" across east Kent.

He said: "Bidding for the UK City of Culture in 2017 isn't just about where we are today – it's about where we could be. This is an opportunity to build on the fantastic achievements of the past few years and inspire generations of people from east Kent to take ownership of their cultural institutions.

"The economic benefits and legacy of east Kent's bid to become City of Culture are potentially huge.

"Winning the title would bring vast numbers of new visitors to the area, create jobs and build on the fantastic work of East Kent’s creative industries in driving regeneration and growth."

If successful, a range of cultural events would be held across east Kent in 2007 - falling under the banners of "movement", "innovation" and "collaboration".

The UK City of Culture award builds on the success of Liverpool being awarded the European Capital of Culture prize in 2008.

For more information, visit www.eastkent2017.co.uk.