Blackpool, Bradford, Newcastle-Gateshead and Sheffield have been shortlisted to host the Great Exhibition of the North in 2018.
The exhibition, which will run for at least two months, will showcase the creative, cultural and design sectors across the whole of the North.
The shortlist will now be assessed by the Great Exhibition board before a final selection is made by government ministers. The chosen venue will be announced in the autumn.
The government is contributing £5 million towards the exhibition and a further £15 million to a legacy fund to attract further cultural investment in the North.
Nine “strong” bids were submitted from Halifax, Harrogate, Scunthorpe, St Helens and Whitehaven, as well as the shortlisted venues.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will work with the bidders who were not shortlisted to ensure as many people enjoy and benefit from the exhibition as possible.
Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, said: “The Great Exhibition of the North is a unique opportunity to celebrate the creativity of Northern England and I am thrilled we received so many innovative bids.
“The shortlisted bids show just what’s on offer and highlight that we have brilliant options for hosting the Great Exhibition of the North. Whichever is successful, this exhibition will leave an important legacy to benefit the whole country.
Sir Gary Verity, Chair of the Great Exhibition of the North Board, added: “The quality of all nine submissions was incredibly strong and I’d like to congratulate the four towns and cities who have made it through to the final shortlist.
“I and the Great Exhibition Board are very much looking forward to meeting the teams behind the four shortlisted bids to hear their exciting proposals in person. This is an incredible opportunity to really showcase the creativity and culture we have here in the North and I know whoever wins will thoroughly embrace that vision.”
