Girls Aloud's best singer backs UK culture bid

The Londonderry bid to be named UK City of Culture 2013 is sounding even sweeter with the news that the local pop starlet is right behind it.

With the bid document safely delivered to Manchester and the Londonderry team preparing to make their pitch to the judging panel in Liverpool later this month, Nadine has hit perfect pitch herself with a ringing endorsement of the city's campaign.

"I am absolutely delighted to be associated with my home town's bid for UK City of Culture 2013 as it is richly deserved.

"Derry is a city where culture and the arts are an integral part of the fabric of the community. It is not something you attend or an event that you witness and then leave.

"It is something that is part of your everyday life," said Nadine.

Involved in cultural activity in the city from an early age, Nadine's up-bringing means she has a clear insight into Londonderry's cultural heritage.

"When I was young my mammy took me to Fheis Doire Colmcille where I did verse speaking, and in the process learnt some beautiful writings and poetry.

"I sang in the Fheis and also learnt some of the wonderful and evocative songs and lyrics that have come from this city and Ireland as a whole.

"My daddy took me to watch him rehearse in plays and eventually to take part where I learnt not only stage craft, but also about the many world renowned playwrights who originated in Ireland and indeed in Derry.

"Brian Friel and Seamus Heaney spring to mind. Later, when I took part in pantomimes and stage musicals I learned a greater appreciation for all the amazing song-writers and musicians who have come from our city," she said.

Nadine has experienced phenomenal success with Girls Aloud, achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK Top-10 singles including four number ones and four number twos, and also 15 top five singles.

But despite all the hit singles and sell out tours Nadine still retains a strong sense of appreciation of her home town's qualities as a font of cultural excellence.

"My home town taught me that culture and the arts, music, pantomime, theatre, dance, they are not just something to see or a place to go, they are part of who we are.

"I have travelled all over the world, and I may be a bit biased but, my town, Derry, deserves this honour more than anywhere I have ever been," she said.