AN EVENT promised to "set the flight path" for Southampton's bid to become UK City of Culture 2025 will take place.

The second annual Cultural City Conference will bring arts leaders together to discuss the future of culture in Southampton. As reported culture chiefs announced plans to go for the coveted City of Culture prize - which could bring millions of pounds worth of investment and thousands of jobs to the city - last year.

The first Cultural City conference, which took place at iconic Solent University building The Spark last summer, included talks from Rosie Millard OBE, the woman responsible for Hull's winning City of Culture 2017 bid.

This year’s theme for the June 28 event has yet to be announced - but organisers say they will be putting out a call for suggestions in the new year.

James Gough, director of Southampton Cultural Development Trust, said: “We hope to continue to build on the success of the 2018 event, and encourage further partnership and collaboration between as many members of the community as possible as we seek to establish Southampton as a major cultural destination.”

City culture boss Councillor Satvir Kaur said: “Southampton City Council is committed to working collaboratively with partners to harness Southampton’s locally distinctive culture and heritage as part of our ambitions for creating a place that people are proud to live in and visit, bringing greater prosperity and opportunity for current and future generations.

"Building on considerable partnership investment to date, we look forward to continuing our dynamic journey with artists, cultural and heritage organisations, communities, businesses and our learning institutions as we look to a compelling future.”

Professor Julie Hall, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Solent University, said: “Southampton is home to a vibrant and growing cultural scene and it is great to see local partners coming together to celebrate and further develop the city’s offer.

"Our community of staff, students and alumni play an active role in supporting Southampton’s cultural community and I can’t wait to for us to build on last years successful event.”

Southampton University's arts boss Louise Coysh said she would be looking forward to working with children and young people about "the role arts and culture can play in fulfilling Southampton's potential."