OXFORD is competing to become the first UK City of Culture in 2013 — and could already table a “very powerful bid”, according the council.

Council leader Bob Price believes Oxford has a powerful case, but insists that no money would be spent until councillors are clear on what the judges are looking for.

Oxford’s failed bid to be crowned European City of Culture 2008 cost the taxpayer an estimated £100,000 seven years ago — but the title was worth more than £800m to winning city Liverpool.

Last night, Oxfordshire culture development agency, Oxford Inspires, joined cultural groups across the city in backing the bid.

Government Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw revealed the list of 29 places across Britain hoping to take the inaugural title this week.

Mr Price warned the only stumbling block for Oxford could be judges favouring regeneration projects instead of established destinations.

He said:” We have got potentially a very powerful bid. We would be building on an already strong cultural platform.

“If the Government is looking for a regeneration project, we don’t want to be in a position where we throw lots of money and resources at something we have very little chance of winning.

“We do not want to throw money down the drain, and so will not be investing huge sums until we are completely sure about what is going on.”

Four other areas in the South East are in the running for the title in 2013: Brighton and Hove, Reading, Chichester and South Hampshire.

Scott Cridland-Smith, from Oxford Inspires, said: “The creation of a UK City of Culture programme is, of course, of interest to Oxford.

“Oxford Inspires has expressed an interest in the programme and we want to find out what's involved in the process and how the City of Culture programme could benefit Oxford.”

Nick Quartley, manager of the North Wall Arts Centre in Summertown, said: “The cultural scene in Oxford is very diverse and interesting and there is a lot more to the city than old museums and traditional university buildings.”

Nicola West, producer at the Creation Theatre Company, in London Place, said: “Oxford has so much to offer, and there is always something going on in the theatre world. This would showcase all that is good about the city.”

The editor of Oxford’s indie music magazine Nightshift, Ronan Munro, said: “Oxford has a brilliant music scene, although I am unhappy the council will be using it to promote the city.

“It has thrived in recent years despite, not because of, the council and I think it hypocritical of them to suddenly revel in its success.”

Culture Secretary Mr Bradshaw met representatives of each city in Liverpool yesterday.

He said: “A cultural spotlight on a city can have a fantastic effect on inward investment and give a real lift to morale and community spirit.”

The winner will be announced next spring and will host a number of national cultural events, as well as a programme of its own.

London and its suburbs are barred from entering as the Government wants the in-augural city to be outside the capital.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk