Top tweets about the city’s efforts

Down – but not out! That was the defiant message on Twitter as Sunderland reflected on missing out in the battle to be named UK City of Culture 2021. The bid’s official account – @Sunderland2021 – tweeted: “It wasn’t to be, but we certainly gave it our best shot! Well done and thank you to everybody in Sunderland who put so much energy and passion to this. We know it will bring amazing things to the city regardless. This is just the beginning! Everyone is still #WelcometoSunderland” That was endorsed by Sunderland’s very own Lauren Laverne, with the BBC presenter posting: “This is so true. Huge congratulations, Cov and well done to everyone who worked so hard on their bids.” Rebecca Ball, Sunderland2021 bid director, wrote: “So proud to have worked on #sunderland2021 and such a privilege to have worked with so many amazing people over the past 2 years. Ha’way Sunderland. We are still going to do some brilliant things!” The team at Pop Recs said: “You win some, you lose some. Heartfelt thanks to all @ Sunderland2021 We’ve seen your work and you could not have done any more. Thank you from the heart of our bottoms. Still exciting times ahead. #Sunderland2021” Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, tweeted: “Gutted. A fantastic campaign and you did us proud. Congratulations @Coventry2021 #UKCityofCulture2021” Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, wrote: “@Sunderland2021 you did us proud” Graeme Thompson, Pro-Vice Chancellor at University of Sunderland and chairman of the bid, said: “Incredibly proud of the amazing @ Sunderland2021 team. The very process of getting shortlisted for #UKCityofCulture2021 has unleashed an unstoppable wave of ambition for our city. Watch this space @DCMS”