Trying to answer what makes Exeter special, one might refer to such old buildings as Exeter Cathedral or probably even its Roman history. The organisers of its City of Culture bid of 2029, however, say that they intend to blend its history with prospects into the future.

Besides engaging the numerous cultural organisations of the city, artists and performers, local leaders wish to share the sporting aspect of Exeter and its contribution to the development of science and innovation.

The city of culture bid by the Exeter City Council has been formulated after five months of consultations with creatives within the city to come up with a five-year cultural plan.

Council Deputy Leader Laura Wright, who is a musician herself, told her that she was aware of the role of theatre, music and art to the city, and she wanted everyone to be involved in the bid to make Exeter a better place to live.

She replied: “We have had very large sporting events here: Women’s World Cup in Rugby, we hosted some of the games, it was a major point to us.”

“We have a science park, the university and the Met Office, which is huge in terms of science and innovation.

“Culture is not a highbrow activity. It is not only that, but also a culture of the way people think, innovate and learn.”

The bosses at the Northcott Theatre claimed they believed being community-based was a significant factor in the bid of the city of Exeter.

The local stories or writers, local performing groups and local talent have been included in shows like Exe Men, The Commotion Time and their future production in July with Daphne du Maurier.

Northcott creative director Martin Berry claimed he was aware that the national platform that the bid would present to Exeter would also raise such work.

He said: “The South West feels like a poorer cousin at times, as it were, to other sections of the country.”

“But it’s a load of rubbish. We do not think so at all. We do not think so for a minute.”

He said, “the talent that would be displayed by the investment, a winning bid would make, could highlight more local talent.”

“Oh, how nice it would be to give even more of those stories, of this city and the region,” he said.

Helen Hartstein, the manager of Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, said she agreed.

She claimed: “It is an excellent chance for us to enjoy the cultural life of the city, its creativity and spirit of togetherness that makes Exeter such a good and special place.”

Exeter is going to compete with Plymouth, Bristol and Portsmouth, among others, to attain the title.

When it gets to the long list, the government will award the city with a form of bid, writing money of $60,000.

The winning city overall will receive $10 million in funding to establish a 12-month celebration of the arts and culture.

The creatives of the city are already gathering in special workshops to discuss the way their application should be shaped.