Helen Mirren backs bid by Tower Hamlets to become the London borough of Culture
Dame Helem Mirren has backed the council's bid. Picture credit: Tower Hamlets Council - Credit: Archant
One of the borough’s most famous residents has backed a bid for Tower Hamlets to become the London borough of Culture.
Actress Dame Helen Mirren, who lives in Wapping, has sent the council a message pledging her support for the sought after accolade.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is offering £1.1million to the winners of the 2019 and 2020 competitions to spend on culture.
Dame Helem said: “Tower Hamlets, with its own strong London culture and history of the East End has also historically been the landing place for many generations of immigrants.
“This has created simply the most diverse, interesting, creative, and authentic London community.
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“This very authenticity is what has always attracted artists of all disciplines. It is a hothouse of creativity.”
More than 650 people have pledged online to support the town hall’s bid - which was launched last week.
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John Biggs, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are very pleased by how much support we received in a small amount of time and the numbers are growing at a terrific rate.
“But we need to keep going – every pledge counts.
“Getting behind the bid is simple; you can use the hashtag #showtimeTH, pledge support via the website and you can also help us with your ideas and opinions for the bid.”
The bids will close on December 1 and will then be submitted to the Mayor of London for the final decision.
The winning bid will be announced in February 2018. To support the bid online visit thbackthebid.co.uk.
