Ambassadors
Our ambassadors are at the heart of our mission to make Southampton the UK City of Culture 2025. Drawn from different parts of the city (and some from further afield), they represent different audiences and voices. Together, they embody the diverse and inclusive culture we see throughout Southampton.
Craig David
"I am proud to be an ambassador for Southampton in the bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. I am passionate about our city.
"The inspiration for my first album Born To Do It came from experiences growing up in this special city."
Lawrie McMenemy MBE
"Southampton, everybody in the world has heard the name. Let’s show it off more. People come in. They like it here. They stay here.
"I’m from the North. When I was offered the job, I took it. And that was 1973. And we fell in love with it very, very early on."
Shelina Permalloo
"I am so proud to be one of the Ambassadors for Southampton City of Culture bid.
"When I won Master Chef, in all the press interviews, everyone was saying ‘Oh, so you’re from London’. I said “No, correction, I’m from Southampton’. And I made it a real point that I’m of Mauritian heritage but I’m from Southampton."
Inspired?
This bid is for everybody. That includes you! We want local voices to help shape the bid. If it sounds like something you would be interested in, then please subscribe to our email newsletter below. We'll send you regular updates and details about how you can have your voice heard and be part of making history for Southampton.