The cultural and creative centre of the UK has been revealed

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A report from the European Commission has shown that Glasgow is the top cultural and creative centre in the UK.

The study ranked 190 cities across 30 European countries, and recognised Glasgow as being the highest in the UK due to its ‘openness, tolerance and trust’, as well as its ‘cultural participation and attractiveness’.

London came second in the study, followed by Bristol in third, Brighton in fourth, and Manchester in fifth.

Scottish capital Edinburgh just missed out on the top five, coming in at sixth place overall.

The European Commission’s report said, ‘Glasgow was one of the first European capitals of culture, in 1990. Known as an industrial city, it has now gained recognition as a creative and cultural centre of European importance.’

Glasgow has five of Scotland’s six national performing arts companies: the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, National Theatre of Scotland, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, so there’s plenty to see if you love the theatre.

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Bridget McConnell from Glasgow Life commented on the results, saying, “We always knew Glasgow was a global cultural leader and we’re delighted that the European Commission has confirmed our position of the UK’s leading cultural and creative city.”

She described the city as “bursting with energy, passion and creativity and filled with artists, designers, creators and innovators”.

Glasgow Life is a charitable organisation that aims to inspire the city’s citizens and tourists to lead richer, more active lives through culture, sport and learning.

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They deliver these activities on behalf of Glasgow City Council, hoping to have a positive impact on communities through art, sport and interactivity.

They look at arts and music, communities, libraries, museums, sport and young Glasgow, which provides services and activities for young people.

Bridget continued, “We have world-class museums and galleries, incredible architecture and history and, as a Unesco City of Music, there’s nowhere better to enjoy a gig.

“What’s more, our openness, tolerance and trust has been rated as the best in Europe, confirming what we already know, that our people make Glasgow the best city in the world.”