Birmingham is to receive £2.1 million to fund arts and culture events, it was announced today.
The lottery grant from the Millennium Commission and Arts Council England is part of the Urban Culture Programme which will deliver a £19 million programme in 20 urban areas across the country.
The money has been earmarked for projects ranging from theatre and dance through to festivals on Indian cinema and jazz.
As The Birmingham Post revealed last week, the allocation to the city will fund a major cultural festival over the next two years, incorporating many of the projects from its unsuccessful Capital of Culture bid.
Nineteen areas of the country have been awarded grants in today's announcement with the largest single allocation - £2.75 million - going to Newcastle and Gateshead.
Welcoming the grant to Birmingham, Councillor Nigel Dawkins (Con Bournville), cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "This is fantastic news for the city and the hundreds of visitors from across the region that we attract to our events.
"The planned programme will capitalise on the enthusiasm and ideas generated during the Capital of Culture bid and feature an exciting new season of summer events and festivals suitable for people of all ages and interests."
