London's role as arts patron

LONDON'S pre-eminence as a centre for the arts is the reason why it must share its top events, according to Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.

He said his recent demand for ceremonies from the Brits to the Turner Prize to be held outside the capital was not an attack on London. It was a recognition of its importance. But it should "lend out some of its power to other parts of the country and help lift aspirations to culture elsewhere", Mr Burnham told the Fabian Society.

Brookside creator Phil Redmond is to chair a panel looking at the feasibility of a British city of culture prize.