Londonderry - UK City of Culture 2013

There were joyous scenes in the Guildhall, where politicians of all political parties and people from all sections of the community gathered to await the official announcement, made on BBC during the One Show.

As the expectant crowd watched two large screens inside the Guildhall's main hall, the announcement was made at a ceremony in Liverpool by the Minister for Culture, Ed Vaizey.

The city - named in the bid as Derry-Londonderry, faced competition for the award from Norwich, Birmingham and Sheffield.

DUP Deputy Mayor, Drew Thompson, who hosted the event in the Guildhall, raised two thumbs and gave a broad smile as Mr Vaizey's words echoed around the historic chamber.

In a short and emotionally charged speech, Mr Thompson praised the "magnificent" work done by the bid team.

He told the Sentinel afterwards that something new had been born as a result of the successful bid.

The city's MP Mark Durkan told the guests: "People throughout Ireland and Britain will see a city that nurtures talent – plays, writes, sings, dances, creates and innovates.

"This will be a big opportunity not just to show off Derry's cultural pedigree but also sees our cultural destiny in a way that will provide a platform for our future growth, not least economically."